Avalanche forecast

East Slopes North

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

There's a chance that you could trigger small and shallow avalanches in isolated pockets of wind-drifted snow at middle and upper elevations. A more likely hazard is hitting rocks, logs, and exposed holes due to shallow snow cover. Expect calmer winds and temperatures to warm through the weekend.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Observers have reported a couple of very small avalanches in recently drifted snow over the past week. While signs of wind effects are plentiful, there are only isolated areas where you can trigger avalanches. Look for stiffer drifts and signs of instability, like cracks shooting through the snow. Consider the consequences of the terrain, and use caution where a small avalanche could push you into rocky areas of shallow snow cover.

     

    (11/27/2024)

    A very small wind slab avalanche in the Hairpin Valley. N, 6,600ft

Avalanche Discussion

On Friday, observers in the Hairpin Valley triggered a very small, shallow wind slab in a similar location to another one reported on the 27th. While these small avalanches are important, most observers report signs of wind-drifted snow but no signs of instability. 

The very cold and inverted temperatures will begin to ease this weekend. While we expect more warming on Sunday, you may still find cold air pooling in valleys or warmer air overlying cold. Surface hoar and faceting have been reported on the surface of many slopes. While wind drifting has been widely observed, cornices remain small. 

Lower elevations snowpacks are still thin. As you gain elevation a deeper but variable snowpack exists. Snow depths above 6000ft range from 3 to 5 feet (80-150+cm). Early-season obstacles of trees, rocks, logs, and creeks are exposed.

Regions covered