Avalanche forecast

East Slopes North

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

The storm snow and some wind have slowly been adding up to create the potential for long running avalanches. Loose avalanches could entrain lots of snow on sustained, steep slopes. Tread carefully at upper elevations, or anywhere you find drifted features near slopes of consequences.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Dry

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

    The low density storm snow is getting deeper, and at lower elevations, it's sitting over a slick crust. Expect that fresh snow could entrain and run far on steep, sustained slopes. You may only have to provoke it, or they could run naturally during times of sustained snowfall. You can avoid these by choosing less steep slopes. If you do venture into steeper terrain, look for shorter, less committing slopes rather than larger features. Give the new snow time to settle before venturing onto longer, steep slopes. 

    Example loose dry avalanche

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Winds have created thicker slabs in the alpine over the past few days. Look for reactive snow near wind exposed features. Travel cautiously as you gain elevation, especially near ridgelines and other exposed terrain features. Scattered snowfall overnight into Thursday morning will likely bring another 2-5 inches of new snow to the area. 

    Expect soft slabs and drifts along ridgelines and in other exposed areas. These slabs could be just slightly more dense than the new snow and could be fairly sensitive to your weight. Stay alert to signs of instability in the new snow such as shooting cracks, or whumphing collapses. If you find these, dial it back to avoid slopes steep enough to slide nearby.

     

Avalanche Discussion

Observers noted loose dry avalanches running far on Wednesday, and some wind affected snow above 7,000ft. Recently, observers have reported facets at or near the surface and widespread surface hoar on a crust below treeline. By Thursday afternoon there will probably be 8-12 inches of newer snow above the facets … something we will want to keep track of as we continue to incrementally load the snowpack into next week. 

In general, the snowpack near and just east of the Pass is strong and relatively deep. In the eastern part of the zone, you'll find a shallower and possibly weaker snowpack. If you travel in the far eastern part of the range, such as the Chelan-Sawtooth Mountains, Twisp River, Eight Mile, and Chewuch drainages, take time to dig in the snow and look for older weak layers.

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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