Avalanche forecast

East Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Shallow pockets of windslab may be found in alpine terrain, especially in the southern half of the zone. In general, a few inches of new snow probably won't be enough to increase avalanche danger much. Conditions may be challenging on steep slopes, with a slippery crust under the shallow new snow. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1

    There may be enough new snow and wind to create isolated pockets of windslab in areas such as the Salmon la Sac and Teanaway. These may be reactive, as they may not bond very well with a refrozen crust underneath. If you find more than 5" of new snow with signs of wind drifting, be careful of entering slopes with consequences. The most likely areas to find these shallow slabs will be above treeline, and right near ridgelines and cornice features. If you find signs of instability, such as shooting cracks in firm or cohesive snow, those are further clues to stay off consequential steeps. 

    Snow surface texture is one of the better ways to help identify areas where wind drifting has occurred.

Avalanche Discussion

If we're lucky, we'll pick up a few inches of snow overnight in the zone. Recently, warm temperatures and light rain has continued to melt the snowpack down, and we are left with a firm refrozen crust. On Wednesday at Blewett Pass, I observed that previous weak layers of surface hoar and near surface faceting were melted down by recent events. A few small loose wet avalanches had occurred on a steep road bank, but with the snow surface refrozen there was no danger of any wet loose avalanches during the day. Take note on what kind of snow surfaces you find out there, as a decent storm may be on tap for this weekend. 

Conditions may be icy, and difficult to travel through with a breakable crust in some places. Expect shallow snow cover at low elevations and bare ground particularly on low south-facing slopes. Typical early season hazards can be expected with open creeks, stumps and rocks. 

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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