Avalanche forecast

East Slopes North

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Recent winds from all directions have created slabs that remain possible to trigger. Look, listen and feel for signs of instability such as shooting cracks and whumphing collapses as you travel. Continue to treat firm or hollow sounding snow with respect while on steep slopes.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    Wind slabs can be found on all aspects, and in pockety distribution on any exposed slope. Wind slabs may be triggered by surprise, as they may rest over a layer of weak snow. Prior to the last storm, weak surfaces and surface hoar were observed in the neighboring East Central zone.  Any recent slabs may continue to be reactive longer than you may think if they rest over it. Wind slabs may become more connected and thicker as you ascend in elevation. Use surface textures and cornice formation as visual clues where slabs may be. Hollow sounding and firm or textured snow are other clues that wind transport has created slabs. 

    Look for signs of instability such as shooting cracks and whumphing as you travel.  If you see these signs of instability, dial back your terrain choices and stay off of steep features. In this case, be sure to avoid the obvious steep, wind loaded slopes, but also take into account cross-loaded and steep midslope features. This is also a good time to dig lots of quick pits, looking for a thin grey stripe of buried surface hoar and to check how the recent snow is bonding. 

    (12/2/2020) Easterly winds continued to load NW aspects in neighboring East Central zone.

Avalanche Discussion

On Tuesday, an observer noted small loose dry slides on steep shaded slopes where the new snow was sliding over firm surfaces, and minimal slab formation. A natural wind slab was observed on Monday, as intense winds transported snow and loaded exposed slopes. Wind slabs may continue to be reactive and possible to trigger as they sit over a variety of pre-storm weak snow surfaces (11/30) including surface hoar and recycled powder (near surface facets).  Observers have identified a snowpack with a favorable hardness profile and good stability in the mid and lower snowpack. The snow depth in the area is generally 3.5ft to 5ft deep. 

On steep south facing slopes, the sun may warm the snow enough to create small wet loose slides in the middle of the day. Be sure to get off of these slopes if you notice wet sticky surfaces, or rollerballs. In the shade, loose dry avalanches may carry momentum and entrain weakening snow surfaces. 

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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