Avalanche forecast

East Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Expect variable travel conditions depending on aspect, sun and wind exposure, and elevation. You may be able to trigger small wet loose avalanches on steep slopes as the day progresses. Cornices may begin to sag and break off, keep these overhead hazards on your mind if you enter larger terrain features.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    You may be able to trigger small loose wet avalanches in the sun, and potentially even in the shade as the daytime warms up. Ridgeline winds and clouds may keep some snow surfaces cool, while others may be sheltered and receive direct sun. There is significant variability throughout the terrain, so take time to observe the snow surfaces. If you see pinwheels or rollerballs, the snow feels wet and heavy, or test slopes show wet snow could move downhill, you might be able to trigger a wet loose avalanche. Steep slopes with moist snow in the sun are prime locations for wet loose avalanches to start. Be aware of overhead hazards and terrain traps that can increase the consequences of being caught in even a small avalanche. Cornices have grown recently, and the warm temperatures may cause some to break off. Give these features a wide berth and avoid spending much time underneath them.

    (2/7/2022)

    Very small wet loose slide.

    Photo: Andrew Pierce

Avalanche Discussion

Wednesday was mild and breezy with mostly sunny skies east of the crest. Clouds hung over the crest itself and very light rain may have wetted snow surfaces at higher elevations near there. Lower elevations and sunny slopes have been melting with each day as the sun gets higher in the sky.  Observers have been reporting rollerballs and small wet loose avalanches the past couple of days. Dry snow was reported from the Stuart Range above 5,500ft on sheltered and shaded aspects.

From Jan 30- Feb 2, storms left over a foot of snow over various surfaces, including weak faceted snow and strong melt-freeze crusts. Strong ridgeline winds have redistributed much of that new snow into dense slabs, scoured west aspects, and created stiff wind-board surfaces. Travel conditions range from thick supportable crusts, breakable crusts, corn-like soft snow, heavy wet snow, or dry settled snow, and various degrees of dry snow with wind stiffened surfaces.

In some locations near the crest, weak faceted snow may exist above or beneath a crust from late January. We haven't seen avalanches on this layer yet in this zone, but observers continue to get whumphing collapses and shooting cracks in the East North zone. There is uncertainty on how this layer will react to the warming temperatures in the coming days. It is possible that a cornice failure or wet loose avalanche could trigger a deeper and surprisingly large slab avalanche. This layer is only 1-2ft deep, so you can dig down to identify and evaluate them. Look for weak, sugary snow over a firm melt-freeze crust. 

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