Avalanche forecast

East Slopes South

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

You can trigger large and dangerous avalanches in areas near and above treeline. Avoid terrain where the wind has deposited snow into deep drifts, especially along ridgelines close to the Cascade crest. Choose wind-sheltered, conservative terrain and be cautious of early season hazards.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    A shift to easterly winds will build new wind slabs on west aspects, and lingering wind slabs may exist on east aspects. With plenty of snow available for transport, expect that wind loading patterns will change quickly. Travel slowly and pay attention to how the snow feels underneath you. Identify areas where the snow feels stiff or hollow, and avoid steep slopes and starting zones with a similar snowpack.

    (12/12/2021)

    Example: Wind textured snow, Blewett Pass

    Photo: Katie Warren

Avalanche Discussion

Winter reappeared in earnest, and up to 30” of snow has accumulated over the last three days. We have minimal information and a lot of uncertainty about snowpack conditions near and above treeline. Under these circumstances, simplifying your plan and choosing a conservative approach is a good idea. There is a lot of variability out there and the snow on one slope may react differently than a similar slope around the corner. 

In areas near the crest, it is possible avalanche danger may reflect zones west of the crest. An accident near Crystal Mountain in an area close to the East South zone resulted in a fatality on December 11th. This accident may have involved weak snow above the December 8th crust. It is important to use hand pits or small test slopes to help identify how well the new snow is bonding to this crust before stepping out into more committing terrain. You can see more details about the accident in the preliminary report.  

At lower elevations and areas further east the snowpack is likely too shallow to pose much of an avalanche threat. That said, with the early season snowpack, even small avalanches can have high consequences if you impact rocks, trees, or creeks. 

While we're excited about issuing daily forecasts for the East South zone this season, we need your help in making this successful. However and whenever you recreate in the mountains this winter, send us your observations.  - The team at NWAC

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