Avalanche forecast

East Slopes North

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Fresh wind slabs will develop through Thursday morning below ridgelines near the Cascade crest.  Steer around steep open slopes where you find freshly drifted snow at upper elevations.  In less wind-affected snow, rollerballs or small wet loose avalanches will run on very steep sunny slopes.  

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    New snow along with moderate to strong winds Wednesday night and Thursday morning will build fresh wind slabs on lee slopes above treeline.  Use caution around steep open slopes where you find freshly drifted snow.  Visual clues like blowing snow along ridgelines and spindrifts below steep cliffs can tip you off regarding which slopes are most suspect.  You can test the bond of the new snow to the old snow surface (likely a crust) on small test slopes before entering more consequential terrain. 

    It's spring-time so any amount of sunshine following new snow means rollerballs and small wet loose avalanches will run on very steep sunny slopes.  If the storm drops more snow than forecast,  keep wet loose avalanches on your mind.  Switch to lower angle terrain or shadier slopes if find yourself sinking in more than ankle deep into wet snow.   

    Example from earlier this winter: Small wind slab in the Wenatchee Mountains.

Avalanche Discussion

Cooler temperatures will lower the chances of glide avalanches or cornice fall.  Keep an eye on open glide cracks and cornices as we head into next week when warmer weather returns. 

2-5 inches of new snow near the Cascade crest will likely build over a crust (4/7) on most aspects.  Northerly aspects above treeline may still hold dry snow.  While low elevation slopes have seen significant melting, most slopes hold a largely dry snowpack. The mid and lower snowpack is well settled. 

If you're out midweek let us and the backcountry community know what you see and Submit an Observation. 

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