Avalanche forecast

East Slopes South

Northwest Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired 5 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

A shift to easterly winds on Tuesday will redistribute recent snow, and it may be possible to trigger avalanches in wind drifted snow near ridges. Approach ridges conservatively and feel for hard over soft snow before committing to steep terrain. In the eastern portion of the zone, challenging travel on icy surfaces will likely remain the most significant hazard.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    With a shift to easterly winds and plenty of snow available for transport, you may find newly formed sensitive shallow wind slabs on westerly aspects. Cornices form with the prevailing wind direction, and wind slabs from Easterly winds may form on the opposite side of the ridge. Older wind slabs formed over the weekend may be hidden below a dusting of new snow and becoming more difficult to trigger. So if you are traveling at upper elevations near ridges, you should be on the lookout for pillow-like drifts of snow on all aspects. So if you are traveling at upper elevations near ridges, you should be on the lookout for pillow-like drifts of snow on all aspects. Watch for blowing snow or signs of instability such as shooting cracks, recent avalanches, or collapsing. These are signs you should stick to wind-sheltered or lower-angle terrain. You can use your ski pole or probe to look at the depths of wind slabs, and hand pits can identify interfaces where overlying slabs slide easily.

    Precipitation amounts tapered quickly east of the Cascade Crest, and there is likely little avalanche hazard in the eastern portion of the zone. 

    (2/20/2022) Shooting cracks in a wind-loaded area.

    Photo: Dallas Glass

Avalanche Discussion

Cold temperatures and east winds will make for a chilly day on Tuesday. But we are moving toward the end of February, and the sun's intensity is increasing. So there is a possibility of isolated wet loose avalanches on very steep slopes in direct sun. So if your see rollerballs or the new snow becomes wet and heavy, it might be time to move to shadier or lower angle slopes. 

While we are moving back into a weather pattern more favorable to snow, the previous weather pattern has taken a toll on the snowpack. Warm temperatures, sunshine, and strong winds all played a role in creating a wide variety of snow surfaces, including icy slopes, rough frozen snow, and breakable crust. These surfaces will maintain challenging travel conditions in areas further east in the zone. In addition, many shallow spots in the snowpack continue to melt out, and rocks, trees, and creeks have reemerged. Check out more information about current snow depth climatology throughout the region HERE. Thankfully, valley inversions have preserved some snow at lower elevations, so the riding conditions and groomed trails are still open to travel.

Regions covered