Eastside Region

Problemas de aludes

• 

  Storm Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alta montaña
  • Límite del bosque
  • Bajo el límite del bosque

  Probabilidad

  Possible

  Tamaño

  1–2

  Storm instabilities will not be a major concern this morning, but may develop this afternoon in steep, sheltered terrain at lower elevations. Monitor the storm closely and be ready to move to more mellow terrain as new snow begins to accumulate. Sluffing and cracking in the surface snow are signs that the hazard is increasing and indicate that consequential avalanches are becoming more likely. Be aware of terrain features that increase the consequences of avalanches, such as road cuts, cliff bands, and gully features.

  

• 

  Wind Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alta montaña
  • Límite del bosque
  • Bajo el límite del bosque

  Probabilidad

  Likely

  Tamaño

  1.5–2.5

  Strong to extreme southwesterly winds will accompany todays storm, depositing snow on the leeward side of ridgelines. The size and sensitivity of avalanches will increase rapidly and may overload buried weak layers as new snow accumulates.  With minimal visibility expected during the storm, identifying wind-loaded slopes will become increasingly difficult throughout the day.  Monitor the storm closely and be prepared to move to lower-angle, sheltered terrain as snowfall rates increase.

  

• 

  Persistent Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alta montaña
  • Límite del bosque
  • Bajo el límite del bosque

  Probabilidad

  Possible

  Tamaño

  1.5–2.5

  Significant faceting occurred near and at the surface during our January dry spell. These weak layers are currently resting below 6-18” of mostly unconsolidated snow that fell during last week’s quick-moving storm.  Rapid loading today will help consolidate a slab and stress these buried weak layers. As new snow is added to the equation today, you can expect the distribution of persistent slab avalanches to expand and resulting avalanches to become larger and more sensitive to human trigger. Areas to be particularly concerned with will be sheltered and shaded areas near and above treeline.

  If triggered, an avalanche could fail with little warning, propagating long distances and beyond terrain features that typically contain surface instabilities, such as storm or wind slabs. Long shooting cracks or significant collapsing in the snowpack indicate that you have found the problem. The best way to manage persistent slab avalanches is to give yourself a wide safety margin and avoid being on or under slopes over 30°.