Avalanche forecast

East Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

Highlights

If you decide to get into higher elevation or more complex terrain, you may find pockets of wind-drifted snow. A small avalanche might carry you into exposed hazards such as rocks and cliffs. Even though conditions are “generally safe”, look out for pillow-like slabs before committing to higher consequence terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1–1.5

    Soft and unconsolidated snow near the surface can be easily transported by the wind, building shallow fresh wind slabs. With the early season conditions, consider the consequences of being knocked over by even a small slab. It is unlikely, but not impossible, to trigger an avalanche in older wind slabs as well. These slabs will be deeper and more sensitive at upper elevations but slabs can also be found in exposed middle elevation terrain. 

    Wind deposited snow can be found on the downwind side of ridgelines, convexities, and rolling terrain. Rippled, uneven snow surfaces indicate that wind has transported snow, and soft, pillowy wind slabs may be lurking nearby. Digging down into the snow will help you identify areas of concern before you step out into steeper terrain. Cracks shooting out from your skis or sled are clear indicators that you have found an unstable slab.

    (11/27/2024)

    NWAC Forecaster Payton Schiff reported shooting cracks along ridgelines in the Teanaway drainage on Wednesday.

    Photo: Payton Schiff

Avalanche Discussion

You’re in luck for some Black Friday powder shopping. “Recycled pow” as it’s commonly referred to makes for excellent skiing and riding conditions despite no new snowfall. That being said, this soft and unconsolidated snow is prone to being blown around by the wind. Gusty moderate wind forecasted throughout this week is primarily what keeps the wind slab problem on the table. Be on the lookout for blowing snow which will point you towards new wind slab formation.

It is also noteworthy that cracking was observed along ridgelines on Wednesday in the Teanaway and the East South zone. This indicates lingering instability in wind-affected snow above treeline. If you dig down into the snow, look for harder, more consolidated slabs sitting above stout crusts, and for areas holding onto more snow. These conditions will indicate the chance for heightened avalanche danger in the local area. Fresh wind slab formation on top of existing slabs can increase sensitivity as well by adding weight to the snowpack.

Especially at lower elevations, an early-season snowpack still exists across the zone. Low tide hazards still abound. In addition to colliding with barely covered hazards like stumps and downed logs, an avalanche can drag you over rocks or push you into open creeks or cliffs. Give yourself time to navigate these early season conditions, no matter your elevation.

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