Avalanche forecast

East Slopes South

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

Highlights

Wet snow avalanches are a concern at middle and upper elevations after a heavy rain event on Tuesday night. Use caution on slopes steeper than 35 degrees if you find signs of wet snow instability and be on the lookout for reexposed early-season hazards.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    Thursday will be warm at middle and upper elevations and occasionally sunny. Combined with lingering moisture from the rain event Tuesday night, wet loose avalanches are a possibility. The typical progression of wet loose avalanches involves rollerballs and pinwheels that lead to point releases. Other signs that indicate warming are sticky snow surfaces, chunks of snow falling off trees, and water dripping from cliffs. Give sagging cornices a lot of space whether you’re above or below them. If the snow under your skis or sled is heavy and sloppy, keep to lower angle slopes or find terrain with a firm, supportable crust.

    (12/18/2024)

    A large pile of wet avalanche debris from natural avalanches at Alpental on the night of 12/17-12/18.

    Photo: Summit at Snoqualmie Pro Patrol

Avalanche Discussion

Peak instability for wet snow avalanches has passed, but it can often take a few days for moisture to fade out of the snowpack. A warm and cloudy Wednesday night combined with a warm, sunnier day on Thursday will not speed up this process. You will encounter cooler temperatures below 5000 feet with an inversion, but don’t be fooled. If the snow is still sloppy, wet snow avalanches are still on the table.

Return to an early season terrain management mindset as you travel around. Rain could have re-exposed hazards such as rocks, open creeks, and trees that were previously buried under snow. Freezing rain that fell at lower elevations created a breakable “trap crust” that a sled will have no problem busting through but will test even the most skilled skiers. Give yourself the time and space to navigate variable conditions, no matter your elevation.

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