Avalanche forecast

East Slopes South

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

New snow and wind will create dangerous avalanche conditions at upper and some middle elevations in the East South. Wind drifted pockets may trigger easily if they form over weak surfaces from our recent dry weather. Give these steep wind drifted slopes a wide buffer on Saturday. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    While this won’t be a big storm, it will be enough to create sensitive wind slabs at upper and some middle elevation terrain across the East South. These slabs will form over variable surfaces, so use snowpack tests or small test slopes to evaluate how these slabs are bonding to the pre-existing surfaces. 

    You’ll find these wind slabs will be most prominent on the leeward side of ridges, below cornices, and below rock or cliffy areas. Some of these slabs could break surprisingly if they rest over weak surfaces that developed during our high pressure.

    The best strategy for Saturday will be to avoid slopes being actively loaded or that show signs of recent drifting. Use visual clues like blowing snow and textured, rippled surfaces to help you identify where the wind has been at work. Shooting cracks under your feet or machine are obvious indicators that you found an unstable slab. 

    (12/13/2024)

    Signs of wind-drifting abound at Crystal Mountain and throughout the West South.

    Photo: Andy Harrington

Avalanche Discussion

The East South is in for a refresh on Friday night and into Saturday. You’ll likely find the greatest snow totals up near HWY 410,  west of Bumping Lake or in far eastern sections of the zone due to the southerly flow component of the storm. In general, expect 5-10 inches of new snow by Saturday afternoon. 

Leading up to this storm, a variety of surfaces existed across the zone. Most southerly slopes held a sun crust from recent warming while shaded slopes consisted of weaker grains over a crust that may plague us for some time to come. 

The take-home is that avalanche conditions will change depending on what aspect and elevation you are on. As snow continues to fall, be sure to slow down and check what it’s covering. Pay attention to cracking, collapsing, and rapid changes in snow density as you travel.

If you get out, let us know what you find by submitting a public observation !

 

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