Avalanche forecast

East Slopes North

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Following a week of below normal temperatures and light snowfall,  expect wet loose avalanches could run on some slopes with direct sun and daytime warming on Sunday. Look to change aspects once the snow becomes heavy, or wet and don't stay long underneath steep slopes in the sun.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Strong April sun in the morning could quickly create wet and sticky snow surfaces. Look for rollerballs, and fresh loose wet avalanches to clue you into this avalanche problem. Cloud cover may develop and keep some slopes frozen, but be on the lookout for wet snow instabilities on steep slopes facing the sun. Be especially cautious around any areas of increased consequences, such as big complex terrain features. Keep in mind overhead hazards such as cornices, and minimize your time underneath any droopy, large hangers. 

Avalanche Discussion

Sunday should be a warmer day than we've seen this past week with calm to light winds. Clouds should build over the area and by mid-day, theres potential for scattered convective snow showers in the mountains. We've had wintry conditions in the Pacific Northwest this past week. Washington Pass picked up 10-12" of snow last week, which has gradually settled above a crust from 4/8".  An observer noted small, isolated wind slabs right near ridgelines on Friday. Winds may have create another small batch of wind slabs at higher elevations Saturday morning. 

Information and observations are limited. Access to snow-covered slopes has become difficult in many parts of the zone. Be prepared to make your own observations and assessments. If you see conditions different from what we describe, defer to lower-angle and simpler terrain. The North Cascades Highway SR 20 is currently gated at Silverstar, though the road is plowed further west. Until the road opens,  WSDOT allows recreational access on the North Cascades Highway near Washington Pass from Friday-Sunday. With road clearing operations underway midweek and other professional operations inactive, your observations are needed. If you're out in the mountains, let us know what you see. 

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