Avalanche forecast

East Slopes North

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Expect dangerous conditions on steep, upper elevation slopes where wind may have created thicker slabs. Slabs may react in surprising ways if they rest over weaker, faceted snow surfaces. Look to avoid steep areas with wind-stiffened snow or if you find signs of instability such as shooting cracks and whumphing collapses.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Moderate westerly winds have likely resulted in ongoing wind transported snow on upper elevation slopes. Expect thicker drifts and slabs on leeward slopes below ridgelines and exposed features in the alpine. Use extra caution because these slabs may be resting on weak, faceted grains. You'll be able to trigger wind slab avalanches more easily at the highest elevations, but storm snow may be reactive even outside of wind affected areas if it rests on a layer of recently buried surface hoar. In the 5,000ft elevation band, observers noted surface hoar prior to the storm. In any case, steer around drifts and recent slabs on slopes steeper than 35 degrees. 

    Look for shooting cracks or whumphing collapses. If you see these, stick to slopes 30 degrees or less and put a large buffer of terrain between you and avalanche prone slopes. 

    Keep an eye out for loose dry avalanches, these sluffs could run easily in steep terrain on Tuesday.

    (1/31/2022)

    Example wind slab and shooting cracks from the West South zone.

    Photo: Shane Robinson

Avalanche Discussion

Observers found 8-12" of new snow near Washington Pass on Monday. No new avalanches were reported, but folks were avoiding steep, avalanche prone locations. Aside from leeward slopes, there likely won't be enough new snow to pose a threat of avalanches. Prior to the storm,  observers consistently found near-surface facets on a variety of shaded, northerly slopes and surface hoar on similar aspects below 5,300-5,600ft. If buried, these 

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