Avalanche forecast

East Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 years ago.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

Highlights

The warmest temperatures so far this season are causing the mountains to shed. Wet loose avalanches may be very easily triggered, cornices are dripping, and glide avalanches have been releasing. Avoid going on steep slopes if they are unsupportable, or if you see cornices or glide cracks above. 

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    Snow surfaces will quickly become wet and unsupportable, as we expect minimal, if any refreeze. Wet avalanches will first be active on northeast aspects and later on south, and then west aspects. Take note of what the snow surfaces are like. Do you punch through easily, or stay on top? If the snow is unsupportable and punchy, it is probably weak enough to entrain an avalanche. These slides have begun to occur even on north-facing slopes, and slides on most aspects could gouge down into deeper layers. It will be safest to avoid steep slopes, and especially big complex terrain as this 'shed cycle' ensues. 

    The chances for all types of wet avalanches is growing with this pronounced warming trend. Glide avalanches are occurring throughout the Cascades. Wet slab avalanches and cornice fall are all possible this weekend. Any of these could be deep, destructive, and are most likely from very steep, rocky, and unsupported areas on east to south to west aspects. Once again, unsupportable snow surfaces are indicators wet snow instability. If you choose to go into the mountains this weekend, plan your exit strategy with overhead dangers in mind, and avoid complex terrain.

    (4/16/2021) Wet loose avalanches were observed running on north-facing slopes in Icicle Creek on Friday the 16th.

Avalanche Discussion

Each day continues to be warmer than the last, and the warmest day so far this season is on tap for Saturday. Meltwater is beginning to filter deeper into the snowpack. This is quickly changing our snowpack from a dry winter-like pack to a wet and mushy one. A 'shed cycle' is underway throughout the cascades with snow beginning to fall down due to hot temperatures. Numerous wet loose avalanches have been observed on all aspects. Glide cracks are opening up in unusual areas, and glide avalanches have begun releasing from areas throughout the Cascade crest and Passes. Cornices loom over some ridgelines and may begin to fall. 

A set of storms dropped about 10"-18" near the Cascade Crest, but that snow has now been through many changes. Earlier this week, very sustained winds drifted previously dry snow in alpine terrain, and formed windslab. On Wednesday, an observer on a north aspect at 6,000ft near Eightmile Lake reported finding weak, faceted snow under recent wind-drifted slabs. 

Observations have become limited in the zone, and we have less certainty about conditions due to limited information and more difficult access. If you're in the mountains, help us keep up with the quickly changing spring conditions by submitting an observation here. 

Daily avalanche forecasts will end on Sunday, April 18th.

During the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, continue to follow the latest guidance from local, state, and federal health officials. Avoid unnecessary risks that could impact first responders and stress medical resources.  Wear a mask when appropriate, practice social distancing, and consider recreating closer to home.

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