Avalanche forecast

East Slopes South

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

The storm snow is settling out, but you can still trigger large avalanches in wind-loaded terrain on Tuesday. Expect these slabs to be stiffer, deeper, and more consequential as you move higher into exposed terrain. Consider steering around steep slopes that look textured and drifted. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Wind slabs are likely becoming more stubborn as winds decrease. However, that may not be the case in all locations. We’re coming out of an extended stormy period with minimal observations, so ease into terrain slowly and consider giving wind loaded features some time to heal before stepping into consequential terrain. 

    Look for these slabs to grow larger and more consequential as you gain elevation into exposed terrain. You’ll typically find these slabs on the leeward side or ridges, below cornices, or under rock and cliff bands. There probably won’t be much for blowing snow on Tuesday, so pay attention to wind textured surfaces. Ripples, dunes, and pillow-like slabs at the surfaces are all clues that point at recent wind loading. Cracks shooting out from under your feet or machine are clear signs that you found an unstable slab. 

    (12/30/2024)

    This widely propagating avalanche in the Icicle Creek Drainage occurred overnight from December 29-30th. SS-N-D2.5-R3

Avalanche Discussion

The stormy pattern has finally concluded across the eastern mountains. The recent storms delivered roughly 2-3 ft of new snow since Christmas. This new snow rests over a prominent crust from the winter solstice. At lower elevations, we suspect the new load is bonding well, but we’re less sure as you crest over 5500 ft. So with that,  dig down and investigate. Use snowpack tests to help you identify the potential weak layers and look to see how the new load is bonding to the pre-existing crust. 

Observations have been sparse in the East South, but neighboring observations in the West South have pointed to settling wind slabs. However, a backcountry skier traveling in the Icicle drainage on Monday observed a widely propagating avalanche on a heavily wind drifted ridge-line. We’re unsure what this avalanche broke on, but it's a good reminder to give this type of terrain some time to heal before riding in consequential, wind loaded terrain. 

 

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