Avalanche forecast

East Slopes South

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

It remains possible for you to trigger a slab avalanche in wind drifted snow at upper elevations.  Steer around steep wind drifted slopes if you observe signs of instability, such as shooting cracks under your sled/skis or notice recent avalanche activity.   

 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    We’re going on two days since the east-south has received meaningful snowfall. These existing shallow wind slabs are likely becoming more stubborn now, but not impossible to trigger. You will find these wind slabs living on the east side of ridges and scattered through the alpine.  Moderate southeast winds will kick up on Monday, so you may start seeing snow blowing onto unusual aspects such as west facing slopes.  These newly formed slabs will be shallow, but will be worth considering if you find yourself traveling on this side of the compass.

    Use visual clues to identify where wind loaded slopes live.  Look for cornices, wind ripped snow, or pillow-like slabs of snow.  Using small test slopes with your sled or skis can be great tools to gauge how sensitive these areas of wind drifted snow remain.  Take a step back and steer around wind loaded slopes if you observe shooting cracks or notice recent avalanche activity.  

    The old crown of a recent slab avalanche in wind drifted snow in the Ahtanum Meadows area. 

    East aspect, 6800 ft

     

    Photo: Katie Warren

Avalanche Discussion

Monday should bring a mostly cloudy day to the East-South, but if the sun does decide to poke out, expect steep south facing slopes to get moist. If this does occur, you may notice rollerballs or small wet loose avalanches.  Consider avoiding steep south facing slopes if you do observe these signs. 

On Saturday, NWAC Forecaster Katie Warren traveled into the Ahtanum Meadows area.  She observed approximately 7 inches of new snow at lower elevations and upwards of 15 inches at higher elevations.  This new snow sits on a variety of surfaces from dirt on lower elevation southerly slopes  to a stout rain crust that formed on Christmas in most other areas.  She also observed an old crown of a small wind slab avalanche that failed on the new/old interface about 1’ deep.  Overall, Katie found variable conditions from aspect to aspect, with southerly aspects holding very little snow and higher elevation, shaded aspects holding a deeper, more layered snowpack.

If you get out into the mountains of the east south, let us know what you see by submitting a public observation!

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