Avalanche forecast

East Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

Expect a breezy day, with strong winds and a burst of snowfall. As you gain elevation, look for signs of instability like shooting cracks or sensitive drifts, and steer around consequential slopes with similar characteristics. It's still thin, so travel cautiously and consider using roads and summer trails for access. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    A front will bring some new snow and strong southwest or westerly winds to the mountains. These winds should quickly drift what could be 2-6" of new snow around at mid and upper elevations. The areas nearest the crest like the Salmon la Sac and Teanaway may see more snow, so you may find wind slab danger on more slopes, while areas further east like Mission Ridge may only pick up a couple inches. Here, danger may be isolated to only the steepest leeward ares at ridgelines. Regardless, keep tabs on how much new snow has fallen throughout the day, and expect increased danger above 6,000ft.

    Look for visual clues to wind slabs such as sharp wind drifts and active blowing snow. Check to see how drifted snow is reacting by using small test slopes, or doing quick hand pits. West through North through East facing slopes may be more reactive, as new snow may be resting on a layer of surface hoar there. If you find signs of instability like shooting cracks, or sensitive wind drifts then steer away from steep slopes with consequences.

    Example of wind drifting snow at a ridgeline.

    Photo: Matt Primomo

Avalanche Discussion

This is a fairly quick hitting storm for the zone, and with mainly westerly winds, the eastern slopes will get shadowed compared to the Cascade crest. Still, a round of fresh snow and colder temperatures will be a nice improvement to riding conditions. 

The snow surface that's about to get buried is a mix of melt freeze crusts on slopes in direct sun, and a thin crust sometimes capped with large surface hoar on shaded or sheltered slopes. Regarding the ladder, we have a few reports of surface hoar from both the Teanaway and Mission Ridge. Theres also a couple crust/weak snow sandwiches in the upper snowpack that may be worth tracking as new snow adds up. 

Although travel conditions are improving, various types of breakable crusts and wet snow are still quite prevalent, especially at lower elevations. In many places coverage is still thin, and theres plenty of brush to contend with off the trails. You may find exposed boulderfields and rocks on many slopes, so consider using summer trails and/or roads for access. 

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