Avalanche forecast

East Slopes South

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

While the likelihood of triggering an avalanche has decreased, the consequence of a surprising avalanche in wind drifted snow remains a concerning possibility. The snow is light and fluffy in many places, but still be on the look-out for signs of instability like shooting cracks or whumphing, especially as you gain elevation into the wind zone. For a safer and more fun day out, steer around steep wind loaded features and enjoy high-quality powder riding in sheltered, lower-angle terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Recent new snow and winds from various directions (SW now E’erly) have likely built slabs all over the compass rose. In many cases these slabs are likely resting over weak, faceted snow or a firm crust from our January drought. Expect these slabs to be larger and more widespread as you gain elevation or closer to the Cascade crest in places like Nelson Ridge, the east side of Chinook Pass, or down south on the eastern slopes of Mt Adams. 

    As you travel, look for blowing snow and surface clues like ripples, dunes, and cornice formation to help you identify where the wind has been as work. Since many of these wind slabs have likely built over weak surfaces, it won’t be straightforward to manage. Give these things some space and continue reading for more information on persistent slabs. 

    (2/1/2025)

    Blowing snow, fresh drifts, sharp cornices, and rime all point towards wind loading along this ridgeline. 

    Photo: Dallas Glass

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2

    Triggering a large, 1-3 ft thick avalanche is now a concerning possibility in the East South forecast zone. You are most likely to trigger this problem closer to the cascade crest or in wind loaded terrain. This type of problem requires discipline and careful terrain management. You could trigger slides remotely—from flat terrain below, above, and to the sides of steep slopes. They may break surprisingly wide and wrap around terrain features.

    The easiest way to manage this problem is to stick to low-angle terrain without overhead hazards. Slabs could be particularly sensitive on rollovers or convexities, especially in wind exposed terrain. Monitor the cohesiveness of the surface snow and look for signs of a sensitive slab, such as cracking or collapsing.

    (2/1/2025)

    This intentionally triggered persistent slab, propagated the entire width of the feature. It failed on facets over a thin crust. ENE, 6200ft, SS-ASc-D2-R3-O, 20-24 in deep, 200 ft wide.

    Photo: Dallas Glass

Avalanche Discussion

A persistent slab problem has officially been added into the East South forecast area. Depending on where you are in the zone, 7 - 15 inches have fallen over weak, faceted surfaces. Observers in the neighboring West South continue to report unstable test results and avalanches failing on the January drought layer (observation here).  Another observer traveling very close to the East South on Mt Adams also reported an avalanche failing 1.5 ft deep on the January Drought Layer (JDL). While we haven't seen any confirmed avalanches in the East South, we know the recipe exists. The most likely places you can trigger this type of avalanche will be in wind loaded terrain or in locations that received more recent snow like Bumping Lake or closer to the  Cascade Crest.

If you get out into the mountains, let us know what you see by submitting a public observation here. 

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