Avalanche forecast

East Slopes South

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

As the day progresses and new snow starts accumulating, the likelihood of you triggering an avalanche in fresh wind-drifted snow will increase.  Be mindful of changing conditions and give yourself some space from steep, upper elevation wind-drifted areas if you notice signs of unstable snow. Default to lower angle slopes and ridges to reduce your exposure.  

 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    As winds and precipitation ramp up, newly forming wind slabs will start to develop. These will likely be shallow in nature, however they may become reactive during the later hours of the day, especially if they sit on a recent layer surface hoar or near-facets. You can find these wind slabs on the down-wind side of ridges, below cornices, and in the alpine.  As winds ramp up and new snow piles up, give yourself some space from steep, convex slopes - specifically on the lee-side of ridges and in the alpine. 

    (12/30/2022)

    Use visual clues to help you identify wind loaded slopes on Saturday. 

    Photo: Joe Dellaporta

Avalanche Discussion

Going into Saturday, you may encounter rising avalanche hazard as the day progresses. Light new snow and increasing wind will combine to create specific areas of unstable snow. These avalanches may be small, however consider the consequence of a small avalanche if you get raked through rocks, creeks, and downed trees. Be on top of your game and be in tune with the changing weather conditions.   

Chances are you will encounter challenging travel across the zone and find a few inches of snow sitting on a stout rain crust from Mid January.  Having the proper gear such as traction may help you have a safer and more enjoyable day in the mountains.   At lower elevations, you may find shallow conditions with many hidden hazards present, like shallowly buried rocks or stumps.  

Observations have been sparse across the East-South. So it will be up to you to make observations and act on them as you travel through the mountains.  Subtle changes in wind, temperature, and sun can have a large impact on how the day plays out. These variables affect slab reactivity (how easy to trigger), distribution (everywhere or just in a few places), and size. Be prepared to make and act on your own observations as conditions change. 

If you get into the East-South, please let us know what you see by submitting a public observation! 

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