Avalanche forecast

East Slopes South

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Dangerous avalanche conditions will continue even though the storm will come to an end Tuesday. Slabs of wind-drifted snow could break over 2ft feet thick, and clearing skies will cause concern for wet loose avalanches on sunny slopes. Choose simple, low-angle terrain during these dynamic conditions.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1.5–2.5

    Another 4-6in of snow by Tuesday afternoon could bring snow totals since Sunday night up to 1-2ft. Snow totals vary dramatically throughout the zone with higher amounts close to the Cascade Crest. Strong westerly winds will continue to redistribute the new snow into fresh drifts. The thickest and most reactive slabs will exist on leeward slopes at upper elevations.. Avalanches could break on the new/old snow interface (Early April Crust) or within new and wind drifted snow. This is an ongoing and heavy loading event and the snowpack needs time to adjust. Avoid open slopes greater than 35 degrees and put a buffer of terrain between you and the runout of large avalanche paths. 

    (3/18/2022)

    Example of a wind slab near Darland Mountain. 

    Photo: Andrew Kiefer

  • Loose Wet

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

    The storm will come to an end Tuesday with clearing skies by mid-day. Dry snow surfaces will lose strength quickly under the influence of the strong April sun. We expect wet loose activity to begin first on sunny slopes near and below treeline on Tuesday. The sun will have to battle cool temperatures and winds at upper elevations for one more day. And if snow surfaces don't begin to thaw Tuesday, they surely will by Wednesday with a full day of sunshine and skyrocketing freezing levels in the forecast. Watch for rollerballs, pinwheels, and snow shedding from trees and rocks. These are warning signs that conditions are ripe for wet loose avalanches. Seek out shaded or lower angle terrain to avoid the problem.

    (4/1/2022)

    Example photo of a small human triggered avalanche.

Avalanche Discussion

We are at the tail end of a natural avalanche cycle throughout the region, and the most dangerous conditions will linger through the morning hours. Dynamic spring weather will continue to create rapid change Tuesday and through the rest of the week. Avalanches due to new snow and wind continue to drive the primary hazard for now. Concerns will transition to wet snow problems Tuesday afternoon and certainly by Wednesday. Travel very cautiously if you head out into the backcountry in the coming days.

The current weather is a big change from the more modest storms and spring-like conditions we've seen over the past several weeks. The new snow fell on a variety of old surfaces including firm crusts, wind-textured snow, and old powder. As a result, you may find that slopes react differently from one area to the next. The shallow Early April Crust should help prevent avalanches from breaking deeper into the snowpack. As a result, we expect all slides to only involve the new storm snow. A shallow, patchy snowpack exists in the southern and eastern areas of the zone, even on shady northern aspects. Some southern slopes are snow-free up to 5700ft. Use extra caution in these lower elevations where hidden obstacles may be lurking just under the new snow, and creek holes may become drifted over or hidden.

Regions covered