Avalanche forecast

East Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

You may be able to trigger avalanches in wind drifted snow at upper elevations. These slabs possibly formed over weak snow layers on northerly aspects. There is significant variability from west to east in the zone, and avalanches may be larger in western areas of the zone. Travel cautiously and make observations before committing to steep terrain in wind-affected areas. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Wind slabs from the recent storm may have formed over weak snow grains in alpine areas on northerly aspects. Forecaster, Matt Primomo, found this weak structure in the Icicle Creek drainage on Wednesday at around 6700ft. While the storm snow didn't seem reactive in wind-sheltered terrain, wind-loaded lee aspects with thicker slabs could potentially produce large avalanches. Use visual clues such as cornice formations and surface texture to identify wind-affected terrain. Also, consider sticking to wind-sheltered areas or lower angle slopes in high elevation, northerly terrain. 

    Look for signs of instability such as shooting cracks, collapsing, or recent avalanche activity. These are all bullseye signs of an unstable slope. You can also dig down quickly to observe if the snow slides easily off the crust and look for weak snow above the crust. If the snow easily slides on the crust, you find it weak snow, or see other signs of instability stick to conservative terrain with lower angle slopes.

    (3/16/2022)

    Wind slab in high elevation terrain in the Icicle Creek drainage.

    Photo: Matt Primomo

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Even with cooler temperatures on Thursday, the recent snow may get warm and wet quickly in the strong March sunshine. A cloudy afternoon may help to keep surfaces cooler. However, you still may want to consider traveling on sunny slopes in the morning hours before the sun has a chance to make wet loose avalanches possible on steep slopes. If you see rollerballs, small natural wet loose avalanches, or find yourself sinking deeply into heavy wet snow, it will be best to head towards shady terrain or stick to lower angle slopes. 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.

    (3/16/2022)

    Recent wet loose avalanche activity after a sunny day post-storm in the East Central zone.

    Photo: Matt Primomo

Avalanche Discussion

We are at the tail end of a significant storm. While the snowpack is likely settling, it will still be important to approach new terrain with an assessment mindset and make observations before committing to steeper slopes. Stability throughout the zone may vary significantly, and while the new snow may have bonded well in some locations, other areas harbor sensitive avalanche conditions. 

Much of the eastern portion of the zone didn't receive enough snow for a significant avalanche problem. However, areas further west received 8-11 inches of snow with strong winds. Therefore, it will be essential to monitor the depth of the new snow as you travel. If you find more than 8 inches of fresh snow over the Early March Crust, it will be worth digging down to identify any weak snow overlying the crust. There is uncertainty and variability with the distribution of these weak faceted snow grains. Similar slopes may react differently, so enter new terrain slowly and make observations before committing to complex or steep terrain.

Various challenging surface conditions exist at lower elevations, such as shallowly buried avalanche debris and thin snow cover. Unfortunately, the warm temperatures associated with the storm kept new snow accumulations minimal at elevations below 4500ft, and lower elevations conditions did not improve significantly. A widespread avalanche cycle occurred throughout the Cascades on the 28th-March 1st and left plenty of large piles of debris to navigate.

Regions covered