Avalanche forecast

East Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Expect dangerous avalanche conditions to continue on Tuesday with large avalanches in new snow near the Cascade crest. You can trigger avalanches at upper elevations where the wind forms deeper drifts and on steep sun-exposed slopes. Expect ongoing snow near the crest with strong wind and clearing to the east.

 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1.5–2.5

    The strong winds and intense snowfall quickly built thick wind slabs on all aspects and elevations. You may find wind slabs at lower elevations and in unusual places typically sheltered from the wind. Cornices built quickly and could fall if the sun shines on them. The snow totals alone with this storm have been impressive. Intense wind loading will continue to load leeward slopes. You can expect an average of 30-40mph winds, with occasional stronger gusts. 

    Avoid being underneath steep terrain at upper elevations. If traveling at lower elevations below treeline, avoid slopes over 35 degrees and stick to wind-sheltered areas. Even in wind-sheltered terrain, you may be able to trigger avalanches on a steep slopes. Look for the red-flag signs of instability, such as recent avalanches, collapsing, or shooting cracks. 

    (4/4/2022) The wind caused intense blowing snow. Photo: Katie Warren

  • Loose Wet

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

    If the sun shines on steep slopes, expect to see natural wet avalanches. If they gouge through all of the recent snow, they could become large and dangerous. Avalanches will be bigger near the Cascade crest. Indicators that wet loose avalanches could occur are prolonged breaks in the clouds, moist snow surfaces, wet snow falling from trees, and rollerballs. If you see this or wet avalanches, move to more shaded, northerly aspects or slopes less than 35 degrees. Expect skies to gradually clear with the best chance for sun near the Cascade crest after mid-morning.

    (4/1/2022)

    Skiers triggered wet loose avalanches in the neighboring Stevens Pass zone on 4/1.

    Photo: Public obs

Avalanche Discussion

We've seen a drastic change in the weather from what we experienced for the last couple of weeks. Heavy precipitation and very strong to extreme winds continue into Tuesday. Areas in the zone close to the crest may see close to 3 feet of snow by late Tuesday, while locations further east, like Mission ridge, will likely pick up around 1-1.5 feet.

Depending on aspect and elevation, new snow will fall on a wide variety of surfaces. At upper elevations, slick, icy crusts may be a good sliding surface, and weak snow on the surface could be a potential weak layer. Some slopes were snow-free on southerly aspects below 5000ft. Use extra caution in these lower elevations where hidden obstacles may be lurking just under the new snow, and creek holes may become drifted over and hidden.

Regions covered