Boletín de aludes

East Slopes South

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 3 years ago. Estás viendo condiciones pasadas, no el boletín vigente.

Lo esencial

A slow transition back to dry snow avalanches is underway. You may still find some lingering wet snow avalanches, but avalanches in wind-drifted snow should be your primary concern. Look for actively drifting snow and pillow-like drifts near ridges to identify and avoid these wind-loaded features. 

Problemas de aludes

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alta montaña
    • Límite del bosque
    • Bajo el límite del bosque
    Probabilidad
    Possible
    Tamaño
    1–1.5

    As temperatures cool and we slowly transition back to dry snow, winds will drift the new snow into wind slabs near ridges at upper elevations. Eastern areas of the zone will likely just pick up a few inches of snow, so we expect most of these avalanches to be shallow. More snow is in the forecast in areas near the crest, and avalanches could be larger. Above about 6500ft, there could also be older wind slabs that formed above the snow/rain line on Sunday and Monday. The most likely locations to trigger a wind slab will be in alpine terrain near steep, rocky ridgelines and confined gullies. If you see large pillow-like drifts, shooting cracks, or the snow feels hollow beneath you, simply travel on lower-angle slopes or steer around these wind-loaded features. 

    (4/1/2023)

    Shooting crack on a wind loaded test slope.

    Photo: Katie Warren

Avalanche Discussion

Monday was certainly a rainy day down in the East South. Areas near the crest, like Chinook Pass, received 1-2" of rain, and Crystal ski patrol reported triggering multiple large to very large avalanches. Further east, avalanches were likely smaller but still widespread. Tuesday isn't going to be the sharp, drastic cooldown we typically see in mid-winter. Much of the expected overnight precipitation may fall as rain before transitioning to snow, leaving the possibility of lingering wet avalanche concerns on Tuesday. The cooler temperatures will likely drastically reduce the wet loose avalanche activity, but steep rocky terrain features may still shed as water continues to drain from the snowpack. While most of these avalanches would be inconsequential, some very steep, smooth rock faces may still have lingering wet slab or glide avalanche concerns. If you see a big frowning glide crack in the snowpack on steep, smooth terrain, give yourself a wide berth around these unpredictable avalanches. 

If you get out into the East South, let us know what you see by submitting an observation!

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