Avalanche forecast

East Slopes North

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Alpine
3 · Considerable
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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 years ago.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

You can trigger small avalanches near and above treeline where strong winds will drift new snow. Use caution on steep slopes where you find 6 inches or more of new snow that slides easily. Many slopes will remain firm and slick enough to maintain concern for uncontrolled falls in steep terrain. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Just enough snow will accumulate to form consequential drifts and slabs on leeward slopes. You'll be able to trigger wind slab avalanches more easily at the highest elevations. Use extra caution where fresh slabs are sitting on weak facets and soft, older snow. Watch for indicators of these avalanches like blowing snow, cracks shooting through the snow, and deeper drifts on leeward slopes. Steer around drifts and fresh slabs on slopes steeper than 35 degrees. 

    Snow may fall on weak, old layers, especially on shaded northeast through northwest aspects. You may be able to trigger avalanches from far away, and they could break in surprising ways. If you see this, increase your margin of safety and stick to lower-angled terrain. If you find more than 6 inches of new snow in wind-sheltered terrain or at low elevations, consider that you may be able to trigger an avalanche on steep slopes.

    (1/23/2022)

    Winds transporting snow along the ridge above Blue Lake. 

    Photo: Will Govus

Avalanche Discussion

Aside from leeward slopes, there likely won't be enough new snow to pose a threat of avalanches. Many surfaces remain slick and could require crampons or ski crampons to prevent a fall. Observers have consistently found near-surface facets on a variety of shaded, northerly slopes and surface hoar on similar aspects below 5,300-5,600ft. Continue to track these surfaces and where they get buried. 

Regions covered