Avalanche forecast

East Slopes North

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

On Tuesday, expect warmer temperatures above valley inversions and partly cloudy skies. You may be able to trigger avalanches at upper elevations in wind-drifted snow. With shallow snow cover, use caution to avoid hitting rocks, logs, and other obstacles.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Look for small drifts and pillows of snow just below leeward sides of ridges. Steer around these features on slopes steeper than 35 degrees. Recent wind slabs may be subtle, so use a pole or probe to feel for stiffer and deeper drifts. 

    There was just enough west wind to drift the recent snow through Sunday and there's still snow available for transport. Near Washington Pass, observers found about a foot of of storm snow at 6,600ft. Wind slabs may be at least that deep, or they may involve only a portion of the new snow. Expect less recent snow t lower elevations and east of the Cacade crest. 

    (11/26/2024)

    Shooting cracks in wind-drifted snow. 7,200ft, W. West fork of Cedar ck

    Photo: Will Govus

Avalanche Discussion

With temperatures about 5F degrees warmer on Tuesday, the low, weak sun may be able to warm surfaces on south aspects, especially at middle and upper elevations. The low elevations and valleys should stay cold due to temperature inversions. Keep an eye out for rollerballs to tell you that the snow is becoming moist and unstable. 

December 7-8th a storm brought rain transitioning to snow. On Sunday, observers found the foot of snow that accumulated at 6,600ft was well-bonded to the old, moist surface. All snow below was also moist. Take care as you travel - many early-season obstacles, such as trees, rocks, logs, and creeks, are exposed or sometimes barely hidden underneath wind drifted surfaces. 

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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