Avalanche forecast

East Slopes South

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 years ago.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

Avalanches in wind-drifted snow are a lingering concern at upper elevations. Pay attention as you transition into wind-affected terrain and use caution around ridgelines, rollovers, and rocky outcrops. Expect changing conditions Saturday as a warm and wet storm arrives.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Your chances of encountering unstable snow will increase as you climb up in elevation, especially in areas with a deeper snowpack closer to the Cascade Crest. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully and look and feel for signs of wind-loading like cornices and changes in snow surface texture and hardness. In wind-sheltered areas, you may find unconsolidated snow with loose dry sluffs possible on steep, unsupported slopes.

    (12/16/2021)

    Look for blowing snow and fresh wind drifts to help identify loaded slopes. 

    Photo: Kyle Hornor

Avalanche Discussion

Since 12/8, 2-4ft of new snow fell throughout the East South Zone. We have limited observations and a lot of uncertainty about snowpack conditions near and above treeline. In areas near the Cascade Crest, a layered winter snowpack is developing. Far to the east and at low elevations, snow cover is shallow, and below the threshold to produce avalanches. On shady aspects at upper elevations, the snowpack may be building on weak, sugary, old snow. The variability may be the biggest challenge. Gather information as you travel and pay attention to changes with aspect and elevation. If you observe recent avalanches, shooting cracks, or collapses, move to simple, low-angled terrain.

We are excited about issuing daily forecasts for the East South zone this season, but we need your help in making this successful. If you get out in the mountains this winter, please send us your observations.  - The team at NWAC 

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