East Slopes Central

Problemas de aludes

• 

  Persistent Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

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

  Probabilidad

  Unlikely

  Tamaño

  1–2

  Spring temperature fluctuations and a good freeze overnight on Wednesday are decreasing the likelihood of triggering these large persistent slab avalanches. However, there is still a lot of uncertainty on how the snowpack is adjusting at these upper elevations. The last reported avalanche on this layer was less than a week ago, on March 20th. You can still locate this weak structure in profiles at upper elevations on shady slopes. This layer could be stubborn, and you may not get direct signs of instability such as collapsing or cracking before a slope avalanches. The lack of bullseye observations of instability and the variability of this layer is unsettling because it is difficult to discern which slopes may avalanche. Therefore, it is best to approach all steep northerly aspects at upper elevations with suspicion. 

  Any avalanche that runs on the crust could be a couple of feet deep and fairly wide. Consider traveling on lower angled slopes in northerly terrain above 6000ft. Large loads like cornice failures or snowmobiles could initiate persistent slabs more easily.

  

• 

  Loose Wet

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

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

  Probabilidad

  Unlikely

  Tamaño

  1–1.5

  The snowpack is likely adjusting to the warm temperatures and trending towards a diurnal spring melt-freeze cycle. On Wednesday, cold overnight temperatures resulted in a solid refreeze of the upper snowpack and decreased the likelihood of wet loose avalanches. However, as the day warms up on Friday, small wet loose avalanches may become a concern in very steep terrain. The daily temperature fluctuations in the springtime are more significant than earlier in the winter. A cold night with a good refreeze of the snow surface can decrease the likelihood of wet avalanches the following day as the temperatures climb back to well above freezing. So, take note of how well the snow surface when you start your day. If you easily punch through a thin crust, wet avalanches will be more likely. If the snow surface is well frozen and supportable wet avalanches are less likely. You should still look for signs of wet loose avalanches such as rollerballs and fresh fan-shaped avalanches, and if you begin to sink deeply into wet, heavy snow as the day warms up, it is best to stick to lower angle slopes. Even though the expected size is relatively small, keep in mind that even small avalanches can have high consequences in extreme terrain.

  Any large cornice falls could be dangerous in their own right, and they could also trigger deeper avalanches below. Attempt to minimize your time underneath lingering under large overhung cornices, and don't be afraid to steer widely around potential runout zones. Some shaded, northerly aspects near and above treeline may still harbor more deeply buried faceted layers. Large triggers, such as cornices, could initiate deeper slab avalanches on these layers.