Avalanche forecast

East Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago.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

Highlights

Continued light snowfall and moderate winds will sustain elevated avalanche danger at mid and upper elevations. You may be able to trigger small avalanches in wind drifted snow near ridgelines. Consider lower angle routes if you find pillow-like drifts of snow. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Light snow showers will continue to trickle in with moderate winds, building new shallow wind slabs on lee aspects near ridgelines. The anticipated size of these avalanches is likely small, but even small avalanches can have high consequences in steep terrain with rocks or cliffs. And with more snow likely to accumulate near the Crest, wind slabs may be larger as you approach the western edge of the East Central Zone. Areas furthest east in the zone may not receive enough snow to create much of a hazard, and rough surfaces and a thin snowpack limit potential avalanche hazard at lower elevations.These fresh wind slabs may be easier to trigger than older lingering wind slabs that developed on Friday and Saturday. Older wind slabs may be more stubborn to trigger. However, they may also be harder to identify with a few inches of fresh snow covering the textured surfaces. Use your pole or probe to feel for stiffer snow over softer snow. Visual clues such as actively blowing snow, textured surfaces, cornices, or drifts around rocks and trees can help identify wind-affected terrain. If you see signs of instability such as shooting cracks or collapsing, stick to lower angle slopes or wind-sheltered terrain.

    (3/16/2022)

    Example of a small wind slab just below the cornice on the ridgeline. Icicle Creek Drainage

    Photo: Matt Primomo

Avalanche Discussion

While the forecast calls for light snow showers and cloud cover, even intermittent sun breaks can rapidly warm the recent snow, and wet loose avalanche conditions can quickly develop. Consider moving to lower angle or shadier slopes if you see rollerballs, snow shedding off rocks and trees, or the snow feels wet and heavy.

Springtime weather in the mountains is dynamic, challenging to predict, and snow conditions can change rapidly. If you are out adventuring during the long days, keep your senses tuned into the snow and look for signs of deteriorating snow stability. Any rapidly changing conditions such as the direct sun on dry snow, recent avalanches, or active wind loading are all signs of changing snowpack conditions that may indicate avalanches are possible. Dynamic spring weather and increased diurnal temperature fluctuations create more uncertainty about what avalanche problems you may encounter during the day. If you observe weather or snowpack conditions you did not anticipate, it may be best to simplify your terrain selection and choose lower angle slopes.Earlier last week, a storm deposited 2-3 feet of snow in areas of the zone close to the Crest, with locations further east picking up around 1 foot. Then, that snow was cooked by temperatures that rose rapidly into the 40s (F) and the intense spring sun, forming a new crust on the surface. Direct observations are limited, but weather stations near the Crest show 6-8inches of new snow over this most recent crust, with just a trace of snow accumulation further east near Mission Ridge. 

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