Avalanche forecast

East Slopes South

Northwest Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Wet snow avalanches will be a concern with sunshine and warm temperatures at middle and upper elevations. Near the Cascade crest, you could trigger an avalanche in wind-deposited snow. Use caution on slopes steeper than 35 degrees if you find signs of wet snow instability or cracking and collapsing in wind-affected terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    You can trigger small wet loose avalanches on aspects that see direct sun. As the day warms up, look for signs of wet snow instability. The typical progression of wet loose avalanches involves rollerballs and pinwheels that lead to point releases. Other signs that indicate warming are sticky snow surfaces, chunks of snow falling off trees, and water dripping from cliffs. If the snow under your skis or sled begins to feel heavy and sticky, move to lower angle or shadier slopes.

    (12/9/2024)

    Rollerballs and small wet loose avalanches running from rocky terrain in the West North zone.

    Photo: Toby Swimmer

  • Wind Slabs

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

    In most of the zone, it is unlikely - but not impossible - to trigger a small wind slab avalanche. You may be able to trigger a large avalanche at upper elevations near the Cascade Crest that received more snow over the weekend. There may even be isolated areas where you can trigger avalanches in exposed terrain at middle elevations. Rippled, uneven snow surfaces indicate that wind has transported snow, and soft, pillowy wind slabs may be lurking nearby. Use small hand pits and test slopes to check for instability before you step out onto steeper terrain. Shooting cracks and collapsing indicate that you have found an unstable slab. If you see signs of instability, stick to lower angle, wind-sheltered slopes.

    (12/8/2024)

    Visual clues such as actively blowing snow, fresh cornices, or pillow-like drifts can help identify wind-loaded slopes to avoid.

    Photo: Andy Harrington

Avalanche Discussion

New and unconsolidated snow that fell over the weekend will be easily influenced by direct sunshine on Tuesday. Combined with above-freezing temperatures, wet loose avalanches are expected to make an appearance. Wet avalanche debris is more heavy and can be difficult to escape from. With early season conditions, consider the consequences of being knocked over by even a small avalanche.

An NWAC Forecaster found stable conditions on Blewett Pass in the nearby East Central zone on Monday. Not enough snow had fallen to build consequential wind slabs or load weak layers within the snowpack. Surface hoar that grew during last week's period of high pressure had been destroyed by rain and wind before new snow fell on top. We expect conditions to be relatively similar in the East South zone, however, there is limited data. Be prepared to make your own snowpack assessments if you get out. Digging quick hand pits along the skin track or sled trail is an easy way to look for layers of concern.

While early season conditions persist, watch out for barely covered hazards like stumps and downed logs. Especially at lower elevations, an early-season snowpack still exists or is non-existent altogether. Give yourself time to navigate a variable snowpack, no matter your elevation.

Help NWAC forecasters reduce uncertainty by submitting an observation. We love seeing what you see!

Regions covered