Avalanche forecast

East Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

You may be able to trigger small avalanches where wind and snow form shallow drifts at upper elevation. These avalanches could be possible in the west end of the zone, near the Cascade Crest, while conditions may be less dangerous elsewhere. A storm could bring enough wind and snow Thursday night into Friday for an increase in avalanche danger.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Steer around fresh drifts on leeward sides of ridges at upper elevations. Any wind slabs should be limited to small pockets within the terrain. Expect these avalanches near the Cascade Crest if you find fresh drifts at least 4-6 inches deep or recent snowfall of at least 4 inches in wind-sheltered areas. Use extra caution on steep northerly aspects, especially above 6,000ft, where snow could slide easily on the interface of new and old snow. Further east and at lower elevations, you may find less elevated conditions. Continue to stay aware of overhead or nearby cornices.

    (3/8/2021) An example of wind textured snow and a shallow wind slab avalanche in the White Pine Cirque, NE, 6,400ft.

Avalanche Discussion

A weak, stormy weather pattern may bring a change in avalanche conditions into the weekend. There's uncertainty around how much snow will accumulate. Make your own observations and look for new snow accumulation and blowing snow while traveling in the mountains. If enough snow falls before the sun comes out, you may encounter loose wet avalanches on sunny slopes. Earlier this week, observers reported weak snow surfaces from about 6,000ft and above on shaded, northerly slopes. If this layer gets buried by enough snow, it could slide easily.

A crust and adjacent weak layer, formed in mid-January can still be found about 2-6 feet below the surface throughout most of the zone. This weak layer was responsible for widespread avalanches, up to size D4, as recent as March 1st. Avalanches on this layer are now unlikely, tho they could become an issue with major warming or storm events in the future. The most suspect areas for a deep persistent slab are shallow, rocky, and unsupported slopes, especially where overhead cornice fall could trigger avalanches.

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