Avalanche forecast

East Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Light rain may lead to conditions where you could trigger small wet loose avalanches at lower elevations. Be ready to move off of steep slopes if you see rollerballs or other signs of wet avalanches. Consider steering widely around areas prone to hazards such as cornice fall. 

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Small loose wet avalanches could occur with warm temperatures and light rain on Thursday. The rain could moisten previously dry surfaces above 4,000ft and create conditions where you could trigger these avalanches. Northwest to northeast aspects are the most likely places this could happen. If you find yourself sinking into wet snow deeper than about your ankle or if it begins to rain more heavily, it's time to move off steeper slopes. Fresh rollerballs are also signs that loose wet avalanches could be triggered.

    Example photo of rollerballs. [Photo: Enji Cooper]

Avalanche Discussion

A new storm pattern is about to begin, starting with light rain to 5,000ft. Currently, the snow surfaces are a mixed bag with well-developed crust on east, south, and west aspects. North-facing slopes at mid and upper elevation hold weakened snow in the form of near-surface faceted grains, settled powder, and firm wind board in other places. Expect increasing danger into Friday as the temperatures cool off, winds blow, and snowfall begins to accumulate.

Stay aware of cornice hazards and attempt to steer your route well around the potential fall line for any cornice collapses. Recent observations from nearby zones speak of spradic cornice fall in the past week. We don't have any reports of deeper avalanches since March 3 (West South Zone), although a crust with facets on or within it from Mid-January was the primary weak layer in the area in February. A large cornice failure could be a trigger for a deep slab avalanche. The most suspect areas for a deep persistent slab are shallow, rocky and unsupported slopes. Steep, sunny slopes may be of less concern due to a thick melt-freeze crust near the surface. Be intentional about where and how you travel with this snowpack structure in place. 

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