Boletín de aludes

East Slopes South

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Peligro de aludes

Sat
Alta montaña
2 · Moderado
Límite del bosque
1 · Débil
Bajo el límite
1 · Débil
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Desactualizado: este boletín caducó 4 years ago. Estás viendo condiciones pasadas, no el boletín vigente.

Lo esencial

Winds will continue to build unstable drifts of snow on lee aspects in alpine zones. Be especially cautious on northerly aspects where weak snow may underlay these stiff slabs. Consider taking lower angle routes to make observations before committing to steep terrain. Avalanche hazard in the adjacent West South zone is very different, and users have remotely triggered avalanches in the White pass and Crystal areas. If you are traveling close to the border of the two zones, check out the West South Forecast.

Problemas de aludes

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Moderate to strong winds and recent snow available for transport will add depth to older wind slabs on lee aspects at the highest elevations. This problem is likely limited to the western portion of the zone, which received more snow than areas further east. On northerly aspects, these slabs have potentially formed over weak snow grains and, as a result, be easier to trigger. Approach new terrain in alpine zones cautiously, especially near ridgelines on these northerly aspects. Use visual clues such as cornice formations and surface texture to identify wind-affected terrain. Look for signs of instability in wind-affected terrain. Shooting cracks, collapsing, or recent avalanche activity are all bullseye signs of an unstable slope. You can use quick hand pits to observe if the snow slides easily off the crust. If the snow easily slides on the underlying crust, or you see other signs of instability, stick to conservative terrain with lower angle slopes.

    Look for shooting cracks throughout your travels to identify unstable wind-drifted snow.

Avalanche Discussion

The weather forecast calls for clouds with the potential for a few showers, which help keep surfaces cool. However, if the strong March sun breaks through the clouds, you may see rollerballs or small, natural wet loose avalanches. If you are sinking deeply into heavy wet snow, it will be best to head towards shady terrain or stick to lower angle slopes. These loose wet slides may start small and run slowly. However, even these smaller avalanches can have high consequences if they knock you off your feet, carry you into trees, rocks, and creeks, or bury you deeply in confined terrain.

Stability throughout the zone may vary significantly, and while the new snow may have bonded well in some locations, other areas harbor sensitive avalanche conditions. In the nearby West South zone, avalanches have been triggered remotely on persistent weak layers. If you are near the Cascade Crest, be aware that the hazard could more closely reflect the West South forecast. 

The East South zone is certainly not breaking any records for snowpack depths this winter. The warm temperatures associated with the storm kept new snow accumulations minimal at elevations below 4500ft, and the eastern portion of the zone saw little to no snow accumulation. Therefore many locations still have very little or no snowpack, and you can expect challenging travel in areas with continuous snow. Utilizing summer trails to access higher elevations with a more robust snowpack may be the best option. Travel cautiously, especially at lower elevations, to avoid impacts with rocks or stumps, and beware of open creeks.

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