Avalanche forecast

East Slopes North

Northwest Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

We have limited information about the snowpack in the East North zone.  There is high confidence that well below normal temperatures and snow showers will continue to add to the light snowfall received already this week.   In wind-affected terrain, assume you'll encounter shallow wind slabs, potentially on unusual aspects following several days of Easterly winds.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Unusual Easterly winds observed since Monday have moved snow along ridgelines and potentially on open slopes below treeline during our extended April cold spell.  Observers in neighboring zones have been ecstatic about the late season low density snow, it's certainly been an April to remember conditions-wise thus far.  That said, assume with the ongoing cold temperatures, you can still trigger a shallow wind slab near and above treeline.  The extended period of easterly winds may have also formed wind slabs on unusual aspects compared to our usual storms from the South or West. 

    Use caution or steer around steep slopes where winds have recently drifted snow.  Shooting cracks or recent avalanches are red flags to stay off similar slopes.  Fresh cornices may have formed in unusual places along ridgelines given the recent pattern.  Tread carefully along ridgelines, giving them a wide berth.

    Loose avalanches, wet or dry, are a concern in very steep or extreme terrain.  If the sun comes out for an extended period, wet loose avalanches may shed from below cliff bands or slopes steeper than 40 degrees.  On slopes holding cold loose snow, take care near terrain traps where a small sluff could knock you off your feet and do damage. 

    (4/13/2022)

    Textured snow surfaces have been easy to find throughout the Cascades this week with fresh snow and periods of strong E winds.

    Photo: Craig Muderlak

Avalanche Discussion

What a week it's been for winter conditions in the Pacific Northwest.  Washington Pass has picked up 10-12" of gradually settling snow above the 4/8 crust while Harts Pass may have 4-6" with generally lighter winds.  Strong Easterly winds were recorded at Washington Pass and throughout the Cascades with Monday's storm.  Light to moderate easterly winds and lighter showers continued through Wednesday.  Winds and showers were less intense through Thursday afternoon.  

Information and observations are limited. Access to snow-covered slopes has become difficult in many parts of the zone. Be prepared to make your own observations and assessments. If you see conditions different from what we describe, defer to lower-angle and simpler terrain. The North Cascades Highway SR 20 is currently gated at Silverstar, though the road is plowed further west. Until the road opens, the WA State DOT allows recreational access on the North Cascades Highway near Washington Pass from Friday-Sunday. With road clearing operations underway midweek and other professional operations inactive, your observations are needed. If you're out in the mountains, let us know what you see. 

Regions covered