Avalanche forecast

East Slopes South

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

The recent snow will become wet and heavy with warming temperatures, and you may be able to trigger wet avalanches on steep slopes in direct sun. Consider sticking to shady or low-angle slopes while the new snow adjusts to the intense spring sun. While avalanches in wet snow may be the most likely problem you'll encounter, triggering avalanches in wind drifted snow at upper elevations may also be possible. 

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    The Cascades will likely see increasing temperatures and the most sun since the recent storms blanketed the eastern slopes with up to 3 feet of snow. While temperatures are not reaching record highs, they will be the warmest temps in the last couple of weeks. The recent snow is still cold and dry in most locations and will be particularly susceptible to warming, quickly becoming wet and heavy in the strong spring sun. Cloud cover should move into the area in the early afternoon, hopefully limiting the extent of wet loose avalanche activity. However, if the cloud cover is slower to materialize, it may elevate the hazard, and these avalanches could be large.If the snow begins to feel wet and heavy or you observe rollerballs and rocks shedding snow, it will be best to move to lower angle or shadier slopes. Be especially cautious traveling below steep rocky terrain with an overhead hazard of snow shedding off cliffs and rocks. These avalanches may start small, but they can quickly gain snow mass and momentum as they travel downslope. Even a small wet loose avalanche could be consequential if it knocks you off your feet and carries you into trees, rocks, over cliffs, or buries you in confined terrain.

    (1/16/2022)

    Example of small wet loose avalanches like you may see on Sunday.

  • Wind Slabs

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

    The East South Zone received 2-3ft of snow over the past week and another 3-5 inches on Saturday with gusty shifting winds. All the recent snow sits on the prominent 4/8 crust. Strong gusty winds that have repeatedly shifted from West to East have likely formed wind slabs in unusual locations and may extend further downslope than what you commonly see. On Monday, NWAC staff near the border of the East and West South zones easily triggered wind slabs on opposing aspects along a ridge. While the recent snow formed shallow fresh slabs, it likely also thickened existing slabs. Use visual clues like blowing snow, textured surfaces, or cornices to help you identify and avoid nearby wind-loaded slopes. If you see signs of instability such as shooting cracks or feel the snowpack collapse beneath you, move to lower angle or wind-sheltered terrain.

    (4/11/2022) Wind slabs were found in some unusual spots. Fresh slabs were observed on slopes often stripped by the wind. Photo: Dallas Glass

Avalanche Discussion

A sunny start to Sunday morning should give way to clouds and the potential for some scattered rain or snow showers in the evening. Increasing afternoon winds may add to the stormy afternoon weather. Spring weather in the Cascades is notoriously tricky and can change rapidly. If you are out adventuring during the long days, keep your senses tuned into the snow and look for signs of deteriorating snow stability. 

Access into areas of the East South with a consistent snowpack has become challenging, and therefore direct observations from the zone are limited. However, snow is piling up on the 4/8 Crust, and stability test results in nearby White Pass show variable results on this interface. This crust is now 1-4 feet deep, and it is worth digging down to investigate this interface before committing to any steep terrain. Some southern slopes that were recently snow-free up to 5700ft may now have over a foot of snow. Use extra caution in these lower elevations where obstacles may be lurking just under the new snow, and creek holes may be drifted over or hidden.

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