Avalanche forecast

East Slopes North

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Expect frigid temperatures, sun, and light winds. Watch for triggering small, loose avalanches on steep slopes. Although the chances are low, you still may be able to trigger large avalanches on deeper weak layers.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Dry

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    You may be able to trigger loose dry avalanches in the recent snow on steep slopes. Watch for triggering these predictable avalanches at your feet or machine, especially on convex roll-overs or slopes 40 degrees or steeper. Loose avalanches can be dangerous if they push you into terrain traps such as trees, rocks, or gullies. When traveling on slopes, be sure no one else is below you. Snow surfaces are still light and soft after a storm over the weekend. Cold temperatures may continue to weaken the surface snow. 

    (2/21/2022)

    Loose avalanches on a steep slope in the Stevens Pass zone. 

    Photo: Public obs

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2

    While avalanches have become difficult to trigger, snowpack tests continue to indicated that there still could be a chance for them on shaded slopes near and above treeline. Recent snow and wind have added a slight load these weak layers. Persistent slab problems can be tricky and stick around for a long time. Consider avoiding shallow, rocky, or very steep unsupported slopes, especially where recent snow was drifted over the weekend.

    Indicators of persistent slabs are whumphing collapses and snowpack tests that pop or drop suddenly. While it's been at least 10 days since the last reported persistent slab avalanche, observers continue to report these signs of instability. You can dig and find the late-January weak layer about 2 feet below the surface. This layer is a combination of weak sugar-like facets sandwiched between two crusts in many areas. Sometimes you'll find weaker snow above the upper crust. The weak layers are deepest near and west of the Cascade crest and in wind deposited areas. The crusts may be found near the surface in the eastern part of the zone and in wind-scoured areas.

    (2/5/2022)

    A skier triggered avalanche near Maple Pass. Three people were caught, one was carried over 400ft with no injuries. E, 6,600ft

    Photo: NWAC public obs

Avalanche Discussion

Prepare for the coldest temperatures since the new year. A storm over the weekend brought about 10 inches of snow with westerly winds. Some older wind drifted slabs may be lingering on leeward slopes at upper elevations, but wind slab avalanches are generally difficult to trigger. Recently observers have reported that the surface snow is staying soft and weak.

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