Avalanche forecast

East Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

You may be able to trigger large avalanches on wind drifted slopes at upper elevations.  Wet avalanches will be possible on steep slopes that get direct sun. Pay attention to signs of recent wind loading, warming of snow surfaces, and use caution on slopes steeper than 35 degrees. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    To avoid triggering these avalanches, stick to wind-sheltered terrain or slopes that are less than 35 degrees. Steer around drifts, wind features, and convex rollovers. Look for signs of instability such as shooting cracks and fresh avalanches. You may find wind-affected areas below treeline where valleys and terrain channeled the wind. Avalanches will be bigger as you move closer to the Cascade crest. Cornices are again reactive to the weight of a person. Continue to give them plenty of room when traveling on ridges and stay out from under them. 

    (3/28/2021) Shallow drifts formed with strong westerly winds on the afternoon of 3/28. Gemini Pass, 5,000ft.

  • Loose Wet

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

    You may be able to trigger wet loose avalanches on steep, sun-exposed slopes. Look for indicators of wet activity such as moist surface snow, rollerballs, and other small fan-shaped avalanches. The potential size of loose wet slides will increase where you find more recent snow especially as you go further west in the zone. While loose avalanches are predictable, they can be dangerous in very steep terrain or near terrain traps. 

Avalanche Discussion

A strong winter storm brought heavy snowfall late on Sunday with strong to extreme westerly winds. Snow totals by Monday were: Trinity Snotel 8", Fish Lake 13", Sasse Ridge 10". Winds gusted to 70mph on Dirty Face and over 100mph at Mission Ridge. In the eastern half of the zone, there may have been enough sun to form a crust on solar aspects on Monday.

A crust and adjacent weak layer formed in mid-January can still be found about 2-6 feet below the surface throughout most of the zone.  Several different avalanche cycles released down to this interface, with the last cycle producing avalanches up to size D4.  Avalanches on the mid-Jan crust/facet layer are now unlikely with the last one reported on March 1st.  We're watching the upcoming weather pattern for major warm-ups or storm events to see when and if these deeper layers will be tested again. The most suspect areas for deep persistent slabs are shallow, rocky, and unsupported slopes, especially where overhead cornice fall could trigger avalanches.w

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