Avalanche forecast

East Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 years ago.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

Highlights

Expect dangerous avalanche conditions and easy triggering of avalanches in newly fallen and drifted snow. Use extra caution on slopes steeper than 35 degrees, especially where the wind deposits drifts. The most dangerous conditions will be at mid to upper elevations and in areas near the Cascade Crest and the I90 corridor.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    You'll be able to trigger the biggest avalanches most easily on leeward slopes and at the upper elevations. Very strong winds will form slabs in open areas below treeline. Watch for indicators of these avalanches like blowing snow, cracks shooting through the snow, and deeper drifts on leeward slopes. Steer around drifts and fresh slabs on slopes steeper than 35 degrees. Use extra caution where you find fresh slabs sitting on weak facets and sugar-like, older snow. 

    Snow may fall on weak, old layers, especially on shaded northeast through northwest aspects. You may be able to trigger avalanches from far away, and they could break in surprising ways. If you see this, stick to slopes 30 degrees or less and put a large buffer of terrain between where you travel and anywhere avalanches could start, run, or stop. If you find more than 6 inches of new snow in wind-sheltered terrain or at low elevations, consider that you may be able to trigger an avalanche on steep slopes.

    (1/7/2022)

    An example of blowing snow, an indicator of wind slab avalanches.

    Photo: Matt Primomo

Avalanche Discussion

In the eastern portion of the zone, including the Wenatchee Mountains and Eastern foothills, new snow amounts may be minimal and avalanche danger may only exist immediately on leeward sides of ridges. Closer to the Cascade Crest in the Cle Elum, Teanaway, and Icicle drainages you may find dangerous avalanche conditions even below treeline due to higher snow accumulation. Observers have found near-surface facets on a variety of shaded, northerly slopes and surface hoar on similar aspects below 4,700ft. Approach steep slopes with an assessment mindset and be ready to move to lower-angled terrain if you find reactive avalanche conditions. In areas that pick up little snowfall, uncontrolled falls in steep terrain with slick crusts are still a concern. 

Regions covered