Avalanche forecast

East Slopes South

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

Highlights

Another storm will keep wind-drifted pockets sensitive to the weight of a person or machine on Sunday. These wind slabs will become larger and more widespread as you gain elevation into more wind-exposed terrain. Simplify your terrain selection during periods of heavy snowfall or if you notice obvious signs of instability, like shooting cracks or recent avalanches.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Additional new snow and wind loading will keep wind slabs reactive to the weight of a person or machine on Sunday. These slabs will be larger and more sensitive as you gain elevation. High wind speeds from multiple directions have likely built slab on numerous aspects or further down slope than usual. Use visual clues like wind drifting and cornice formation to help you identify where the wind has been at work. Dial it back and default to lower-angle slopes if you notice shooting cracks, whumping, or hollow-feeling snow under your feet or sled. 

    (12/26/2024)

    Avalanche Professionals triggered wind slabs in recent days in the East Central. 

    Photo: Payton Schiff

Avalanche Discussion

Another storm is forecast to favor the southern Washington Cascades, so the East-South should pick up another good dose of precipitation and wind by the end of Sunday. 

Snotel sites across the zone have picked up around 20 inches of new snow since Christmas. Observations have been sparse, but we suspect the rain/snow line is likely sitting somewhere around 4500 ft in the East South. So look for a drier, more layered snowpack as you climb or ride above this. 

Recent observations from the neighboring East-Central, have reported reactive, skier triggered  wind slabs in the Wenatchee Mountains (obs here) and recent wet avalanches at lower elevations in Tumwater Canyon (obs here).  Across the region, observations have been minimal above 6000 ft due to stormy conditions, but we can speculate dangerous avalanches likely still exist at those elevations. 

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