Avalanche forecast

East Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

Highlights

Avalanche danger will increase as a quick Friday storm delivers snow and strong wind to the west side of the zone. Be on the lookout for cracking, collapsing, and recent slab avalanches on exposed, downwind slopes. If you encounter these signs of instability, avoid slopes steeper than 30 degrees.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1

    Avalanche danger will start downright low in the early morning on Friday, then quickly increase as fresh slabs build on down wind slopes throughout the day. Although small, these slabs may have trouble bonding to slick crusts, surface hoar, and faceted snow below. With increasing wind speeds up to 35 mph, anticipate wind-affected snow lower down on slopes than you might expect. Although unlikely, you could trigger a bigger and more consequential avalanche at upper elevations where older, deeper wind slabs are overloaded by fresh slab formation.

    Blowing snow will tell you where slopes are being freshly loaded. Cornices and hard, uneven snow surfaces will point you toward where wind-affected snow - new and old - can be found as well. These areas are commonly just below ridgelines and in cross-loaded gullies. Shooting cracks, collapsing, and recent slab avalanches are clear signs that you should avoid steep, exposed terrain.

    A small crown in wind drifted snow on Axis Peak on Wednesday. This is the type of terrain you may find lingering slabs in. 

    Photo: Katie Warren

Avalanche Discussion

You will encounter more stormy conditions closer to the Cascade Crest on Friday. We expect to see 2-5 inches on the western side of the zone and 1-2 inches on the eastern side. The forecasted avalanche hazard is for these higher snow total areas. While these aren't the most significant precipitation numbers all around, the snow will be falling on a variety of weak and slick surfaces. If you decide to commit to a steeper slope, it'll behoove you to dig a quick hand pit to see what layers are underneath first. And while you practice normal caution as you move around the backcountry, be aware of terrain below you. A small avalanche that knocks you off your feet or machine could carry you into hazards such as cliffs and trees.

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