East Slopes South

Avalanche problems

• 

  Wind Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alpine
  • Treeline
  • Below treeline

  Likelihood

  Possible

  Size

  1–2

  Wind slabs have formed in recent days. Expect these slabs will be larger and more widespread as you gain elevation into the wind zone. You’re most likely to find these slabs beneath exposed ridgelines and rocky, alpine terrain. Any triggered wind slab could break on deeper weak layer and create a larger avalanche. Pay attention to snow depth and stiffness as you move from slope to slope. Shooting cracks, whumphing collapses, and the possibility of triggering larger avalanches are good reasons to skirt around wind loaded terrain. 

  

• 

  Persistent Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alpine
  • Treeline
  • Below treeline

  Likelihood

  Possible

  Size

  2

  Fresh snow and wind from this past weekend have added weight to weak layers 1-3 ft below the surface. We don’t think the new load is enough to tip the scales for this weak layer in much of the zone, but it could be just enough in areas closer to the Cascade Crest or in wind-loaded terrain. Be suspicious of any steeper slopes that appear wind-stiffened or large, open slopes near Chinook and White Pass. 

  You may or not receive any warning signs like cracking or collpasing before triggering a large persistent slab. Persistent Slabs can release in surprising ways, propagate widely, and release from a distance away. You can't assume that tracks on a slope means it is stable.  These persistent slabs surprise people every year. You can reduce your exposure by avoiding steep, open slopes that face NW-N-NE, especially if they appear wind stiffened. 

  

• 

  Loose Wet

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alpine
  • Treeline
  • Below treeline

  Likelihood

  Possible

  Size

  1

  Clearing skies may allow the surface snow on solar slopes to loosen and weaken. The first signs of surface warming typically include rollerballs and pinwheels shedding. You typically see these in steep or rocky terrain in the sun. While most of these wet loose will be small, don’t underestimate wet snow in extreme terrain. They often grow larger as they move further down slope and could push you into unwanted terrain.  You can simply lower your slope angle or move to a colder aspect to avoid wet snow instabilities.