Avalanche forecast

East Slopes North

Northwest Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Tue
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired 5 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

In the western part of the zone, continue to use caution on or below large open slopes at upper elevations where stubborn wind slabs may linger.  In the eastern part of the zone including lower elevations,  slabs may break in surprising ways where the recent storm snow sits over weaker snow near the ground. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1.5–2.5

    We are now several days past the Jan 6-7th storm and avalanche cycle.  With each passing day, it's less likely you can still trigger a wind slab avalanche.  Continue to avoid lingering below open slopes with large overhanging cornices.  Cornice fall might still unleash a deeper slab.  Use caution on slopes over 35 degrees where you find wind-stiffened snow.  If you experience shooting cracks or see recent avalanches, these are red flags that conditions are still dangerous and to avoid similar slopes. 

    In the eastern foothills, strong to extreme westerly winds on Friday built denser slabs over a weak and shallow snowpack.  Whumphing and cracking were reported in the Twisp Valley at low elevations on Saturday and several recent natural slab avalanches were observed over the last few days.   Stick to slopes lower than 30 degrees if you experience sudden collapses while traveling at lower elevations or see recent avalanches on similar slopes.  Continue to exercise caution around roofs that hold large amounts of snow.  Roof-avalanches continue to pose a hazard along the east slopes of the Cascades following this historic storm. 

    (1/9/2022)

    A natural wind slab avalanche (D2) that likely ran on January 7th. West Rib of Silverstar. NW, 7,300ft

    Photo: Will Govus

Avalanche Discussion

An extensive avalanche cycle occurred over much of the Cascades between Wed night-Friday.  In the Hwy 20 corridor, observers noted a widespread cycle with avalanches up to D2.5 on Delancey Ridge.  Slab avalanches were reported at low elevations in the eastern part of the zone including the Methow Valley and Twisp Valley.  A widespread cycle also occurred at lower elevations and in sagebrush country in the East Central zone, including in places like along Hwy 97A above the Columbia River.  Check out some of the amazing photos below and additional information in the East Central forecast.   In the Washington Pass area,  roughly 3.3 inches of water was recorded over this stretch with 2' of settling storm snow.  Mazama saw 18" over this period.  The storm ended with rapid cooling and extreme westerly winds that transported significant snow at all elevations on Friday.  On Sunday under increasingly sunny skies, temperatures hit or approached freezing at weather stations 6000-7000' with cooler temperatures at lower elevations and in valleys. 

 

Regions covered