Avalanche forecast

East Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 years ago.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

Highlights

Progressively warmer temperatures and strong sun will maintain a threat of wet avalanches on slopes steeper than 35 degrees. Time your travel to be off of and out from under sun-exposed slopes before the snow becomes wet and weak. Use caution around cornices and wind drifts, especially near the Cascade Crest.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    Wet avalanches will first be active on the east aspects and later on the west aspects. As you move through the mountains, take note of how much the surface snow has frozen or melted.  You may find dramatically different conditions at different aspects or elevations and as the day progresses. Plan ahead and be ready to move to slopes that are shaded or under 35 degrees. Move off of steep slopes before the snow is unsupportive and weak enough to entrain an avalanche.

    Wednesday will be the warmest day of the week so far. There's still enough dry snow available to produce avalanches especially near the Cascade Crest at mid to upper elevations. East wind may again keep surfaces a bit cooler than normal, especially at mid to upper elevations. 

    (4/11/2021) Natural wet avalanches ran in very steep, east-facing terrain. Stevens Pass zone

Avalanche Discussion

At the Cascade Crest, there's a chance that you may be able to trigger small wind slab avalanches on leeward sides of ridges steeper than 35 degrees. Steer around wind-loaded leeward slopes and steer around unsupported and wind-sculpted features. Cornices loom over some ridgelines and may fall during the warm days this week. Glide cracks have again begun to open in steep rocky terrain. Use extra caution to avoid being on or under features with glide cracks and cornices. We expect significantly warmer temperatures starting on Thursday. Dangerous wet avalanche conditions may develop by the weekend.

On Sunday, an observer near Colchuck Lake reported wind-scoured slopes at upper elevations with only isolated and shallow drifted slabs. On Sunday through Tuesday, observers reported numerous wet loose avalanches in the neighboring Stevens Pass zone. On Tuesday, east winds transported snow at upper elevations near the Cascade Crest. The last three days brought mixed sun and clouds and slowly warming temperatures. Storm totals since the 7th are 10-18" near the Cascade Crest. Lower recent snow totals in eastern portions of the zone may limit the avalanche hazard in areas such as the Wenatchee Mountains. There was a brief warm-up and wet avalanche cycle on the 8-9th. 

Observations have become limited in the zone. We have less certainty about conditions due to limited information and more difficult access to terrain. If you're in the mountains, help us keep up with the quickly changing spring conditions by submitting an observation here. 

Daily avalanche forecasts will end on Sunday, April 18th.

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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