Avalanche forecast

East Slopes North

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

Highlights

After several days of benign weather and Low Danger,  conditions will begin to change as light snow develops and ridgeline winds increase during the day.  If you see blowing snow along ridgelines or observe shooting cracks,  apply caution around steep slopes with freshly drifted snow.  

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    If the incoming storm system arrives early, you'll need to navigate new and shallow wind slabs that form directly below ridgelines at higher elevations.  If you see significant blowing snow along ridgelines, the hazard may have increased faster than we anticipated. 

    As you gain elevation and enter more open terrain, feel for wind-stiffened snow.  You can always use small test slopes to gauge the bond of the new snow to the old surface before committing to more consquential terrain. 

    The storm will intensify Friday night, so plan for increasing avalanche hazard if you're out late in the day. 

    Look for blowing snow along peaks and ridgelines as a sign that new wind slabs may be building. (Ex from Whistler Mountain last season).  

    Photo: Willie Webster

Avalanche Discussion

After a few days of clear weather and steep temperature inversions, the weather has turned cooler (at upper elevations) and cloudier towards the end of the week.  Observations have been few and far between, but generally stable conditions were found midweek following last weekend's storm (Dec 7/8th) that started warm and ended as snow.  The 12/7 melt-freeze crust should be 6-12" below the surface in sheltered areas closer to Washington Pass.  No avalanches have been reported over the last few days.  Steeper southerly aspects at mid and upper elevations likely have a thin crust at or near the surface while drier snow can be found on shady, sheltered aspects. Take care as you travel - many early-season obstacles, such as trees, rocks, logs, and creeks, are exposed or sometimes barely hidden in areas and elevations with low snow.

You can contribute to the avalanche forecast. Please let us know what you see in the mountains by submitting an observation. 

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