Avalanche forecast

East Slopes South

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

Dangerous avalanche conditions could develop in wind-loaded alpine terrain as another round of snowfall and wind stress the snowpack. Rain at lower elevations will create concern for wet avalanches. Steer away from slopes 35 degrees and steeper where you encounter fresh wind drifts or wet slushy snow. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Another 4-8in of new snow over the next 24 hours could bring snow totals since 3/12 to nearly 1ft in high elevation areas closer to the Cascade Crest. The bulk of precipitation falls warm and wet overnight with a strong cooling trend Tuesday. SW winds up to 35mph will redistribute the snow into the thickest and most reactive slabs in leeward terrain near and above treeline. Avalanches could break on a variety of storm layers or at the variable new/old snow interface. Even in non wind-loaded areas, you may be able to trigger slabs in new snow alone. Recent avalanches, blowing snow, and shooting cracks should direct you to simple, lower-angle terrain.

    Look for shooting cracks throughout your travels to identify unstable wind-drifted snow.

  • Loose Wet

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

    You could trigger wet avalanches where you find soggy new snow layers or encounter heavy rain. Look for rollerballs and pinwheels as warning signs the snow surface is wet and weak. These loose wet slides may start small and run slowly, but don't underestimate these avalanches. They could knock you off your feet, carry you into trees, rocks, and creeks or bury you deeply in confined terrain. 

Avalanche Discussion

A weak atmospheric river will impact the region over the next 24 hours. Although this AR isn't as powerful as others we've seen this winter, it will still bring the heaviest precipitation yet since active weather began Saturday. The highest precipitation rates and most dangerous avalanche conditions look to occur overnight Monday with high elevation snow and rain below. Fresh slabs will continue to grow in size and distribution. The new snow may take additional time to bond as it falls on a thin snowpack with variable old surfaces. Watch for blowing snow and fresh wind loading throughout the day, and be leery of steep terrain where you find 6in or more of new snow.

The East South zone hasn't received much snow since early January, so the new snow brings a much-needed refresh. Low elevations have very little or no snowpack, and you can expect challenging travel in areas with continuous snow. Utilizing summer trails to access higher elevations with a more robust snowpack may be the best option. Travel cautiously, especially at lower elevations, to avoid impacts with rocks or stumps, and beware of open creeks.

Regions covered