Avalanche forecast

East Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

Highlights

A storm will bring strong winds, cooling temperatures, and light snow to the area, building shallow slabs of wind-drifted snow where you could trigger an avalanche. We don't expect avalanches to be large, but pay attention to signs of instability, such as cracking in snow drifts. A small avalanche could have high consequences in very steep terrain or confined rocky features.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Watch for actively drifting snow, shooting cracks, or stiff snow over softer layers as signs of wind slabs. Ridgelines and cross-loaded gullies at upper elevations are the most likely places to encounter this problem. Choose sheltered terrain or steer around steep slopes with deep drifts to avoid triggering avalanches. 

    We have limited information from the upper elevations since the storm on Tuesday, but above 6000ft, precipitation may have fallen as mostly snow. So, lingering soft snow could be available to drift into wind slabs as winds increase along with fresh snow on Saturday. There is only a few inches of snow in the forecast, so the size of these avalanches will largely be dictated by how much soft snow is left for transport. The recent warm temperatures lead us to believe that most avalanches will remain small within the fresh snow. However, be prepared to assess wind-drifted snow for depth and reactivity before committing to large alpine terrain. 

    (11/27/2024)

    An example of shooting cracks indicating wind slab instability from earlier this season in the Teanaway.

    Photo: Payton Schiff

Avalanche Discussion

Saturday's storm will likely bring more wind than snow, but the easterly winds and upslope component will favor areas like Mission Ridge and the Wenatchee Mountains. The 2-3 inches of snow will likely drift around quickly, even on relatively sheltered terrain. We expect the cooling temperatures to mostly end wet avalanche concerns. However, you could find isolated areas where wet avalanches are still possible at the lower elevations. So, if you're sinking deeply into wet, heavy snow, consider moving to lower-angle terrain. 

On Wednesday, an NWAC forecaster found moist snow over halfway down in the snowpack at middle elevations as did another observer. In elevations below 5000ft, a freezing rain crust formed over the surface of primarily dry snow, and this breakable “trap” crust makes for difficult travel, even for sleds. We have limited information from the upper elevations, but some spotty observations indicate that there may still be dry snow at elevations around 6000ft and higher. This is also where you'll most likely encounter wind slab avalanche problems through the weekend.  If you're getting out into the alpine, slowly step into more aggressive terrain, making assessments as you travel. Collapsing, cracking, or recent avalanches indicate that you should stick to lower-angle slopes. 

As you travel, return to an early-season terrain management mindset. Rain could have re-exposed hazards such as rocks, open creeks, and trees. Give yourself the time and space to navigate variable conditions, regardless of elevation.

Help NWAC forecasters reduce uncertainty by submitting an observation!

Regions covered