Avalanche forecast

East Slopes South

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

While the danger is low, you may find isolated locations where you could trigger an avalanche in wind-drifted snow, particularly where they formed over slick crusts. Approach high-consequence terrain near ridgelines in alpine areas with caution. Avoid these textured, pillow-like slabs if you see signs of unstable snow, such as shooting cracks.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1

    Despite continued winds, there is little snow left to drift onto lee slopes, and the recently formed wind slabs are gaining strength and will likely be difficult to trigger. However, there may be isolated locations at high elevations where these wind slabs formed over slick crusts and could potentially produce an avalanche. These avalanches will probably be small and isolated to steep terrain features at high elevations, but shallow avalanches could still have high consequences in extreme terrain. The most likely places to trigger these avalanches will be in alpine terrain near steep ridgelines and confined gullies. Look for textured surfaces and pillow-like features as visual clues of wind slabs. You can also use quick hand pits to feel for stiff wind-deposited snow over softer snow layers. If stiff snow slides easily in hand pits or you observe cracks shooting away from your skis, boots, or snowmobile, travel on low angle terrain or move to wind-sheltered areas.

    If traveling near the Cascade Crest, along the border of the West South Zone, you may find more snow and larger wind slabs. Check out the West South Forecast for more information. 

    (1/22/2023)

    You may notice shallow instabilities like this on Sunday. Look for wind-stiffened snow, cracking,  or snow sliding easily to help you identify areas of concern. 

    Photo: Joe Dellaporta

Avalanche Discussion

Tuesday will be mostly cloudy, with temperatures a notch warmer than Monday. However, there is a chance of the sun making an appearance later in the day, so look for signs of rollerballs and pinwheels to indicate the possibility of wet loose avalanches. 

We enjoyed sunny and clear skies in the Ahtanum Meadows area on Friday. Since the sun moistened snow surfaces, recent cold temperatures have created crusts on these southerly aspects. Be sure to take a look at the bonding to this crust before committing to consequential terrain, particularly in wind-loaded terrain. Even a small avalanche could run far and fast, sweeping you off your feet in those types of conditions.

The MLK crust is approximately 1.5" thick, supportable for boots and snowmobiles. While the 1/4 surface hoar is buried and obvious beneath this crust, it is unlikely that you could trigger an avalanche on this deeper weak layer. We did identify a layer of weak faceted snow above the MLK crust at higher elevations. However, test results and other observations did not suggest a widespread problem on this layer. We are still tracking it as a potential layer of concern with additional snow.

If you get out into the mountains of the East-South, let us know what you see by submitting a public observation!

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