Avalanche forecast

East Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

Highlights

With a warm sunny day on tap,  you're likely to see or trigger small wet loose avalanches in many areas.  At higher elevations where you find firmer, wind-drifted snow you may trigger a wind slab on nearby lee slopes.  Avalanches may become large at upper elevations and in terrain closer to the Cascade crest that received more recent snowfall. 

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    Above the recent rain/snow line (5000-5500'), recent storm snow will be primed to slide downhill in the form of wet loose avalanches. You may see rollerballs and natural wet loose avalanches as the sun and temperatures rise.  These avalanches are predictable and easy to manage until they aren't.  Avoid extreme terrain features and terrain traps (steep trees, cliff bands, open creek holes and exposed rocks) where even a small avalanche can have real consequences.  Where you find wet and punchy snow,  shift to lower angle or cooler/shadier slopes.   

    Wet loose avalanches may become large in areas closer to the Cascade crest where they entrain more recent storm snow.

    (2/10/2024)

    As the sun makes an appearence, you may notice rollerballs and slides like this. 

    Photo: Brad C

  • Wind Slabs

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

    New wind slabs formed on lee slopes mainly near the Cascade crest and at upper elevations following Tuesday's storm and strong west winds.  As you gain elevation, look for fresh drifts, cornices, and wind-textured snow to help you identify wind-loaded features and steer you away from steep lee slopes where you're most likely to trigger a wind slab avalanche.  Shooting cracks in wind-affected snow and small test slopes will help you gauge the bond of the new snow to the old.  

    (1/19/2024)

    Slightly wind-stiffened snow showing reactivity in skintrack tests. 

    Photo: Caya Johnson

Avalanche Discussion

Tuesday's storm delivered a wide range of snowfall totals based on proximity to the Cascade crest and elevation.  Near the Cascade crest, you're likely to find 4-6" of new snow with much deeper drifts in wind-loaded terrain. On the other extreme, the Wenatchees likely saw an inch or two from this storm with the Stuart Range somewhere in-between.  Observers reported strong and gusty winds in the Salmon la Sac area Tuesday. 

Lower elevations are melting out quickly this year as highlighted in a Salmon la Sac area observation focused on access. Be prepared for more challenging approaches, firm snow, and low coverage extending into middle elevations. Open creeks, exposed rocks, and slide-for-life conditions can easily exacerbate the consequence of a small avalanche. 

Let us know what you see as you travel in the mountains by submitting a public observation here. 

Regions covered