Avalanche forecast

East Slopes South

Northwest Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired 5 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

New snow and wind will create dangerous avalanche conditions above treeline on Friday. You could trigger large avalanches on leeward slopes greater than 35 degrees. Increasing hazard throughout the day and poor visibility will require cautious route-finding and conservative decision-making.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Slabs of wind drifted snow will become thicker and more reactive as you climb up in elevation. Be especially careful near ridges, exposed gullies, and the base of cliffs. Look and feel for signs of wind-loading as you travel like blowing snow and changes in snow surface texture and hardness. If you experience shooting cracks or see recent avalanches, choose terrain less than 35 degrees and minimize overhead hazard. 

  • Loose Dry

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

    New snow will fall at cold temperatures and will likely remain cohesionless in many wind-sheltered areas at lower elevations. On unsupported slopes greater than 35 degrees, you could trigger loose snow sluffs that could run far and fast. Although these avalanches would likely be small, they could knock you off your feet or push you into rocks or trees. Be especially careful around terrain traps like gullies and cliffs. Seek out supported or lower angled terrain to avoid the problem.

    (3/8/2020) Example photo of a dry loose avalanche

Avalanche Discussion

Another 4-6in of new snow is expected Friday, bringing snow totals since 12/21 up to 1ft. A look into the East South zone from the upper Tieton River Valley on Tuesday showed a generally thin snowpack. While most slopes now hold continuous snow, lots of rocks and trees were still visible. The deepest snowpacks were seen around the Mt Aix and Bumping Ridge areas. 

Even as the snowpack has grown recently, there’s still a huge amount of variability; north to south and east to west. Several recent storm layers and crust can be found. However, despite this variability, we anticipate most avalanches to remain above the 12/21 crust/strom interface. If you head out into the snow this week, you can help shape the forecast by letting us know what you see.

Regions covered