Avalanche forecast

East Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 8 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Being higher in elevation and closer to the Cascade Crest increases the chance of encountering unstable wind-drifted snow. Signs of wind transport, such as uneven snow surfaces, blowing snow, or cornice development along ridgelines are helpful indicators. Identifying them should cause you to pause and assess your terrain choices before committing to a steep slope.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Chances are, if you're in the alpine, you will encounter some wind-drifted snow. Smaller, fresher slabs will be more sensitive but not very big. There may still be older, deeper slabs that are much harder to trigger, but will have much bigger consequences should you trigger one. Expect the chances of finding unstable slabs to be higher in areas closer to the Cascade Crest.

    As you gain elevation and the trees become more sparse, start looking for clues of wind transport. Signals such as sharp drifts, textured snow surfaces, and riming on trees can all help you identify where the wind has transported snow. Remember that older slabs may be disguised by fresh snow. Identifying key terrain features will also help you navigate around this problem. Wind slabs often form just below ridge lines and cliffs, as well as along gully walls. Stomp around on a small and inconsequential test slope with characteristics reminiscent of what's written above to assess stability. If you get long, shooting cracks or feel collapsing, dial it back to more sheltered terrain. 

    (3/17/2025)

    Dune-like drifts and textured surfaces in wind exposed terrain around Blewett are helpful clues to use when looking for wind slabs in nearby terrain. 

    Photo: Joe Dellaporta

Avalanche Discussion

Winter-like conditions continue to build with each input of new snow! A few data points gathered indicate a slight divide in snow depths between the north and south ends of the zone. Details from the Salmon La Sac and Blewett Pass indicate that skiing and riding off the road is still quite tricky due to shallow conditions. Mission Ridge reports an average of 18-30 inches on the ground. Further north, observations from McCue Ridge and Dirtyface tell of 37-53 inches at varied elevations, and the Lyman Lake weather station delineates a snow depth of 93 inches.

We have otherwise extremely limited snowpack data. We do know the recent snow fell on bare ground or slick crusts. This creates significant uncertainty about the bond to the underlying crust and low confidence overall in the forecast. To mitigate this increased uncertainty, make frequent observations using quick hand-pit tests and take extra time before entering larger or more complex terrain. 

Notably, reports continue to trickle in that accessing terrain is quite arduous. "I should've brought a chainsaw," are usually the first words uttered when asked about conditions. So, despite this long-anticipated start to winter recreation, keep the widespread damage from the dual atmospheric river events at the forefront of your trip planning. Be prepared to be turned around due to road closures, washouts, mudslides, or downed trees.

When you do make it to continuous snow, watch for shallowly buried rocks, trees, and high-flowing creeks. These hazards can appreciably increase the consequences of getting caught in even a small avalanche.

Conditions may be significantly different in the furthest north reaches of the zone. Check out the East North forecast if you plan to get into areas near the zone borders.

State and local resources are working diligently to reduce the impacts of destructive storms that occurred earlier this month. We can help by respecting affected communities, complying with road closures, and adhering to ski area uphill travel policies.

Regions covered