Boletín de aludes

East Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Peligro de aludes

Wed
Alta montaña
2 · Moderado
Límite del bosque
2 · Moderado
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

In the western half of the zone, you can trigger avalanches in wind-drifted snow near and above treeline. Stick to wind-sheltered areas and slopes less than 35 degrees in slope angle. Be cautious of shallow snow cover and exposed rocks, logs and creeks.

Problemas de aludes

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Winds are forecast to switch to westerly on Tuesday. Wind slabs built from both east and west winds since the weekend. There's still plenty of snow available for transport. Use caution on leeward slopes 35 degrees and steeper. Steer around pillow, drifts, and wind features. Travel slowly and observe how the snow feels beneath you. Stiff, dense, and hollow snow is a good indication that you should avoid steep slopes.

    (12/12/2021)

    Example : Wind textured snow, Blewett Pass

    Photo: Katie Warren

Avalanche Discussion

An upslope pulse on Monday brought up to 6 inches of snow to the area, including to the valleys and low foothills. We have a lot of uncertainty about snowpack conditions near and above treeline. We do know that since December 8th significant new snow fell on various surfaces, including rain crusts, soft snow, or firmer recently wind deposited snow. Near the Cascade Crest, you may find areas with up to 5 feet of snow on the ground. Near the Crest, you may be able to trigger avalanches in uncohesive snow on very steep, unsupported slopes.  On slopes over 5,500ft, a stout crust (formed in late November) is at the bottom of the snowpack. The December 8th crust rests just above that and is intermittent up to at least 6,200ft. Observers reported variable tests on both crusts including some sudden planar results. While we haven't confirmed avalanches on these crusts, they're worth keeping an eye on.

In the Wenatchee mountains and eastern half of the zone,  most slopes still have very shallow snow cover.  Recent snow fell on the bare ground except at the highest elevations. If you're recreating on snow be aware of hitting logs, rocks and open streams.

Preliminary Report: On Saturday morning, December 11, a party of six backcountry tourers were traveling uphill in a closed section of the Crystal Mountain Ski Area known as Silver Basin. The party triggered a large avalanche on an NE to E facing slope at approximately 6600’. While all members of the party were initially caught, four were fully buried. A nearby party of two witnessed the event and immediately assisted in the rescue. Crystal Mountain Ski Patrol was also notified and responded to the scene. Unfortunately, one of the fully buried victims did not survive. NWAC and Crystal Mountain Ski Patrol will collaborate to conduct an investigation. Our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and community.  SS-ASu-R3-D2.5-U; Crown Depth: estimated 2’ deep.

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