Boletín de aludes

East Slopes South

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Peligro de aludes

Wed
Alta montaña
2 · Moderado
Límite del bosque
1 · Débil
Bajo el límite
1 · Débil
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Desactualizado: este boletín caducó 5 years ago. Estás viendo condiciones pasadas, no el boletín vigente.

Lo esencial

You can still find lingering unstable snow where the wind has drifted snow near ridges in alpine areas. The new snow remains dry and unconsolidated, and you may be able to trigger loose avalanches in steep terrain. You should also expect frigid temperatures and strenuous trail breaking.

Problemas de aludes

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alta montaña
    • Límite del bosque
    • Bajo el límite del bosque
    Probabilidad
    Possible
    Tamaño
    1–2

    If you venture into the highest elevations, you may be able to trigger existing wind slabs in isolated areas. While these wind slabs are likely gaining strength, the cold temperatures may slow the process. Be attentive and watch for signs of pillow-like, hollow snow near ridgelines at upper elevations, where you could trigger these lingering wind slabs. If you experience shooting cracks or see recent avalanches, choose low-angle terrain. 

    While strong winds are not forecasted, even light to moderate winds can transport this very-low-density snow around. So if you notice blowing snow near ridges, new and sensitive wind slabs could be forming. 

    With new snow depths tapering from west to east from the Cascade Crest, expect that larger and more sensitive wind slabs may reside in the northern portion of the zone and areas closer to the crest.

    Example of a shooting crack in wind drifted snow.

    Photo: Andrew Kiefer

  • Loose Dry

    • Alta montaña
    • Límite del bosque
    • Bajo el límite del bosque
    Probabilidad
    Possible
    Tamaño
    1

    Continued cold temperatures are keeping the upper snowpack relatively cohesionless. This lack of cohesion can cause the new snow to run fast on steep slopes and entrain additional snow as it moves downhill. Look for signs of fan-shaped avalanches, or point releases, that typically start from a single location and spread out as the travel downslope. They can run naturally, or you can trigger them as you move through steep terrain. Use steep test slopes to see if dry snow accelerates and entrains snow as it moves. 

    As you gain elevation, these avalanches may become more likely and increase in size. Manage your travel carefully and know where your partner's location. Stay out from under other people in steep or consequential terrain and be wary of terrain traps such as creeks, trees, or cliffs that you could be carried into or over.

    Example of a small dry loose avalanche.

    Photo: ONP Rangers

Avalanche Discussion

While we may be getting a short reprieve from the stormy weather, temperatures will remain chilly, with lows in the single digits and highs in the teens. So bring extra layers and be diligent with self-care to prevent cold injuries. 

Many of these eastern areas still have exposed rocks and trees, and the deepest snowpacks are around Mt Aix and Bumping Ridge. The solstice crust is buried approximately 2-3 feet deep near the Cascade Crest and 5-6 inches deep in the eastern parts of the zone. Reports from neighboring zones indicate that the storm snow is bonded well to the solstice crust. Stormy weather and rugged trail-breaking conditions have limited observations from the upper elevations, leaving us with significant uncertainty about how storm layer interfaces are settling out. Use quick hand pits to identify interfaces and test slopes to observe how the new snow reacts as you venture into higher and more complex terrain. 

If you use this break in the storm to get out and enjoy the nice powdery snow, let us know what you see on our observation page.

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