Avalanche forecast

East Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

While the avalanche danger is easing, it may still be possible to trigger avalanches on slopes steeper than 35 degrees. Steer around areas of recently drifted snow at upper elevations and near ridges. Warm temperatures and sun could cause some small wet avalanches on steep sunny slopes.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    You may still be able to trigger a lingering wind slab avalanche in drifts that formed after a shot of snow Tuesday night and west to southwest winds. Any fresh slabs will be small and immediately on the leeward sides of ridges and terrain features. You can avoid triggering avalanches by steering around these drifted features where you find stiffer snow. Watch for signs like cracks shooting through the snow as a warning to avoid these locations.

    (11/21/2020) An example of cornices and loading on Rock Mountain near the Cascade Crest last weekend.

Avalanche Discussion

In the southern and western parts of the zone, you may see some small loose wet avalanches on steep sunny slopes on Friday. The Teanaway and Salmon la Sac areas as well as near the Cascade Crest picked up as much as 5 inches of snow on Wednesday morning. The sun and warming temperatures could drive small wet avalanches in these parts of the zone if the recent snow has yet to form a crust from the previous days' sun.

The height of snow varies significantly through the zone with up to 5 feet on the ground above 6,000ft at the Cascade Crest yet very shallow coverage at low elevations and near Highway 97. Expect lots of variability in snowpack structure. On shaded northerly slopes and you may find weak snow in places. Along with shallow snow cover comes the risk of hitting rocks and logs while your moving on the snow. An impact could result in injury or damage to equipment. In some places, this risk may be greater than that of avalanches.

During the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, continue to follow the latest guidance from local, state and federal health officials. Avoid unnecessary risks that could impact first responders and stress medical resources.  Wear a mask when appropriate, practice social distancing, and consider recreating closer to home.

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