Avalanche forecast

East Slopes North

Northwest Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

For Tuesday, small wet avalanches are possible on steep slopes. You can trigger these avalanches in areas of weak, wet snow where it had previously been dry. Expect warm temperatures aloft, thick clouds, and rain to many ridgelines.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Enough rain will stream into the area for small wet avalanches on steep slopes (over 35 degrees) where the snow had previously been dry. Watch for avalanches in steep rocky terrain. Avalanches will be bigger and more likely at mid to upper elevations as well as on the steepest most shaded slopes. Wet slides may be less likely or smaller on southerly aspects. 

    As the rain adds up, watch for the snow surface becoming wetter and weaker through the day. Time your travel to be off of suspect slopes before they start to avalanche. Watch for roller balls or snow that slides easily on test slopes as indicators of increasing danger. If you were already questioning being out in the rain, this is a good excuse to call it an early day!

    (11/22/2020) An example of loose wet avalanches in the Stevens Pass zone earlier this season

Avalanche Discussion

As is common with these warm storms, some cold air may linger in the valley-bottoms and cause some freezing rain or a glaze to form. This is tricky to forecast, so be observant to cooler and warmer areas if you're out tomorrow. Keep an eye on the surface of shaded slopes for weak snow. Observers have reported widespread surface hoar and faceting on the surface. Rain will likely drench most of these snow surfaces, making this a non-issue in the long run. However, weak snow could stick around on slopes that are far enough east or high enough in elevation to escape significant rain. 

It's been a week since the last reported avalanche. Effects of last week's east wind event can still be seen at the upper elevations. This kicked off a series of natural and triggered avalanches, some large to size D2. On Sunday, observers reported extensive recent ski tracks and that triggering avalanches in wind stiffened snow had become very difficult.

During the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, continue to follow the latest guidance from local, state, and federal health officials. Avoid unnecessary risks that could impact first responders and stress medical resources.  Wear a mask when appropriate, practice social distancing, and consider recreating closer to home.

Regions covered