Avalanche forecast

East Slopes South

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

Merry Christmas! Santa is bringing us some fresh snow, increasing the chance of avalanches at upper elevations by the afternoon. You could trigger shallow slabs in wind-drifted snow near ridges. Look for textured surfaces or deeper pillows of snow to identify steep, wind-loaded slopes to travel around. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    A welcome return of snow to the Cascades is the perfect Christmas present. Ridgeline winds at upper elevations will just be enough to transport any new snow and form wind slabs by the afternoon on Monday. Consider steering around steep terrain if you see actively drifting snow or long cracks that shoot away from you. You can also use visual clues like sharp wind drifts and stiffer snow surfaces to identify potentially wind loaded slopes. While we expect any avalanches to be small, consider the high consequences of a fall in steep terrain with exposed obstacles. Most of the zone will pick up 2-3 inches of snow. With higher accumulations possible on the western edge, wind slabs will be most likely in areas just east of White Pass and east of Chinook Pass on the HWY410 corridor. Slick crusts, surface hoar, and weak snow surfaces are prevalent, so this new snow could bond poorly with old snow surfaces. Use quick hand pits or test slopes to see how the snow reacts. New snow that slides easily off old surfaces indicates that avalanches are more likely.  

    (12/2/2022)

    Drifts of snow like in this photo are an indication that winds slabs exist on the slope.

    Photo: Katie Warren

Avalanche Discussion

It's a Christmas miracle! We are entering into a more active weather pattern that looks snowy, at least for the east slopes. The storm ramps up through the day on Monday and continues overnight into Tuesday. It's not packing a lot of moisture, but hopefully, we end up with 6-8" of new snow throughout East South. The cold air pooled east of the Cascades should maintain the precipitation as snow. While the forecast is favorable, southerly flow will bring in some warmer air, and a transition to rain or freezing rain is possible. If it begins to rain on dry snow, expect rollerballs and small, wet loose avalanches. 

Temperatures have been warm over the past couple of weeks, and snowpack depths have decreased significantly. New snow may fall on bare ground on south facing slopes at mid and lower elevations. On others, there is plenty of brush to contend with. Rocks and boulders may still be exposed or barely covered with fresh snow. Consider staying on summer trails and roads to access higher elevations for more manageable travel.

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