Avalanche forecast

East Slopes South

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

After several small storms, moderate E winds will create slabs that can trigger steep slopes at upper elevations. Note the direction of snow transport and freshly formed cornices pointing to the hazard. If you encounter wind-stiffened snow or typical signs of instability such as shooting cracks, seek slopes less than 35 degrees. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

     Moderate ESE winds will drift fresh and recent snow onto atypical aspects through Wednesday. We're expecting 1-2" of upslope snowfall overnight with precipitation increasing during during the afternoon hours. Incremental additions of snowfall from recent storms should be available for transport on the northern half of the compass. Be suspicious of any wind-stiffened snow, wind deposition zones, or the freshly formed cornices that overhang them. In some cases, slabs may overly weaker snow layers such as surface hoar and depth hoar identified in the neighboring East Central zone on Tuesday. Consider steering around steep terrain if you encounter whumphs or long cracks that shoot away from you.   While we expect any avalanches to be small, consider the high consequences of a fall in steep terrain with exposed obstacles. 

    Challenging approaches to rideable terrain have limited recent observations. Therefore, we have a lot of uncertainty about upper elevations, so be prepared to make your own assessments if you head into alpine terrain. Slick crusts, surface hoar, and weak snow surfaces are prevalent and have been identified on 12/26 in the Mission Ridge area. so this new snow could bond poorly with old snow surfaces. Use quick hand pits or test slopes to see how the snow reacts. The new snow that slides easily off old surfaces indicates that avalanches are more likely. 

    (12/26/2023)

    Wind textured surfaces and drifts indicate slabs may be present on nearby lee slopes.

    Photo: Katie Warren

Avalanche Discussion

Boxing Day featured sun and slightly above-freezing temperatures at middle elevations above the stratus ~3000 ft stratus deck. This should form a crust on the south-facing half of the compass by the time fresh snowfall arrives Tuesday night. The last storm added 1-3" to the snowpack in the northern half of the zone. 

Some areas may witness a changeover to a wintry mix or rain on Wednesday. Rain on snow can rapidly destabilize dry snow surfaces. During periods of active or recent rainfall, reduce your exposure to slopes steeper than 35 degrees, particularly on the northern half of the compass.

Temperatures have been warm over the past couple of weeks, and snowpack depths have decreased significantly. New snow may fall on bare ground on south-facing slopes at mid and lower elevations. On others, there is plenty of brush to contend with. Rocks and boulders may still be exposed or barely covered with fresh snow. Consider staying on summer trails and roads to access higher elevations for more manageable travel.

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