Boletín de aludes

East Slopes North

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Peligro de aludes

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

Lo esencial

The warmest temperatures so far this season and strong sun will increase the potential for dangerous wet avalanches on slopes steeper than 35 degrees. Move off of and out from under slopes before the snow becomes wet and weak. Avoid going on or under slopes with cornices or glide cracks.

Problemas de aludes

  • Loose Wet

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

    Expect minimal refreeze, and for snow surfaces to quickly become wet and weak. Wet avalanches will first be active on northeast aspects and later on south, and then west aspects. Higher elevations may stay cooler with a breeze, and that's why the danger is rated as Moderate above treeline. Take note of what the snow surfaces are like. Do you punch through easily, or stay on top? You may find dramatically different conditions at different aspects or elevations and as the day progresses. Start early, and be ready to finish early or move off of slopes that are steeper than 35 degrees. If the snow is unsupportive and punchy, it is probably weak enough to entrain an avalanche.

    Aside from wet loose avalanches, the chance for wet slab avalanches, glide avalanches, and cornice fall will grow with each passing day being warmer than the last. On Wednesday a large glide avalanche ran on a southeast-facing rock slab in the Stevens Pass zone. Use extra caution to avoid being on or under any features with glide cracks or cornices. 

    (4/9/2021) Example small wet loose avalanches from near Stevens Pass.

Avalanche Discussion

The warmest day so far this winter is on tap for Friday. With these very warm temperatures, meltwater is beginning to filter deeper into the snowpack. This is quickly changing our snowpack from a dry winter-like pack to a wet and mushy one. Higher elevations may stay cooler with breezy conditions. Glide cracks are widening in steep terrain. Cornices loom over many ridgelines and may begin to fall. Use extra caution to avoid being on or under any features with glide cracks or cornices. 

WSDOT highway forecasters have been working to clear Highway 20. On Thursday, they dug a profile on a southeast aspect at 4,000ft in one of the Cutthroat avalanche paths. They found over 5 feet of snow on the ground with a couple of recent storm layers in the top foot of the snowpack and a layer of rounding facets near the ground. Since the 7th, two storms brought a total of 6" to 1 foot of snow. The middle and lower snowpack is generally strong and well settled.

Information and access to avalanche terrain have become limited in the zone. Make your own assessment of conditions. If you find conditions different than those mentioned here, defer to lower-angle slopes and more conservative terrain. Help us keep up with the changing spring conditions by submitting an observation here. 

Daily avalanche forecasts will end on Sunday, April 18th. 

During the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, continue to follow the latest guidance from local, state, and federal health officials. Avoid unnecessary risks that could impact first responders and stress medical resources.  Wear a mask when appropriate, practice social distancing, and consider recreating closer to home.

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