Avalanche forecast

East Slopes South

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

You may be able to trigger avalanches in wind drifted snow at upper elevations. While the eastern part of the zone did not receive significant snow, near the Cascade Crest, these avalanches may be large enough to bury you. Travel cautiously near ridgelines and in wind-exposed terrain. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    And while much of the East South zone didn't receive enough snow for significant avalanche concerns. Areas near the crest, particularly in the White Pass and HWY410 corridor, may have seen significantly higher snow totals. Strong winds associated with the storm likely built thick wind slabs on lee aspects. Be cautious of traveling near ridgelines on steep slopes and look for signs of instability in wind affected terrain. Shooting cracks, feeling the snowpack collapse beneath you, or recent avalanche activity are all bullseye signs of an unstable slope. You can dig down quickly to observe if the snow slides easily off the crust. If the snow easily slides on the crust, or you see other signs of instability, stick to conservative terrain with lower angle slopes.

    Look for shooting cracks throughout your travels to identify unstable wind-drifted snow.

  • Loose Wet

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

    Even with cooler temperatures on Wednesday, the recent snow may get warm and wet quickly in the strong March sunshine. You may want to consider traveling on sunny slopes in the morning hours before the sun has a chance to make wet loose avalanches possible on steep slopes. If you see rollerballs, small natural wet loose avalanches, or find yourself sinking deeply into heavy wet snow, it will be best to head towards shady terrain or stick to lower angle slopes. These loose wet slides may start small and run slowly, but don't underestimate these avalanches. They could knock you off your feet, carry you into trees, rocks, and creeks or bury you deeply in confined terrain.

Avalanche Discussion

We are at the tail end of a significant storm. While the snowpack is likely settling, it will still be important to approach new terrain with an assessment mindset and make observations before committing to steeper slopes. Stability throughout the zone may vary significantly, and while the new snow may have bonded well in some locations, other areas harbor sensitive avalanche conditions. The warm temperatures associated with the storm kept new snow accumulations minimal at elevations below 4500ft.Since early January, the East South zone hasn't received much snow, so the new snow brings a much-needed refresh. Low elevations have very little or no snowpack, and you can expect challenging travel in areas with continuous snow. Utilizing summer trails to access higher elevations with a more robust snowpack may be the best option. Travel cautiously, especially at lower elevations, to avoid impacts with rocks or stumps, and beware of open creeks.

Regions covered