Avalanche forecast

East Slopes North

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago.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

Highlights

Continued winds and a bit more snow will sustain the potential for triggering avalanches in wind-drifted snow at upper elevations. Identify likely locations for these stiff slabs by their textured, pillow-like form. Steer around these drifts where you find them in steep terrain and avoid slopes below corniced ridges and the base of cliffs where you are more likely to trigger an avalanche. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    An uptick in winds, 4-5 inches of new snow, and a switch from easterly to westerly winds during the day on Friday will make it possible to trigger a wind slab in exposed terrain, particularly at higher elevations. Slopes below ridges, the base of cliffs, and mid-slope features such as convex rolls are common trigger points. Look for signs of wind slab formation, such as actively drifting snow and textured surfaces. Pay close attention to the wind direction and be prepared to change travel plans as the wind shifts directions and snow is transported to different aspects in the afternoon. You can also use your probe or pole to feel for stiffer snow over softer snow layers. Cracks that shoot away from your feet or equipment are a sure sign of unstable wind slabs. If you observe these long cracks, use lower-angle routes or move to sheltered terrain. Natural or human-triggered small dry, loose avalanches are possible in wind-sheltered and very steep terrain. You'll want to exercise caution near terrain traps like above cliff bands or tight gullies where a fast-running sluff could knock you off your feet in the wrong place. 

    (2/23/2023)

    Cracks break through wind-drifted slabs on a southeast aspect near treeline near Whistler peak.

    Photo: Will Govus

Avalanche Discussion

Avalanche conditions have been relatively quiet since Friday, with dry loose avalanches or the occasional small wind or storm slab reported over the last few days either near or above treeline. That may change on Friday, and we could see a slight uptick in shallow, sensitive wind slabs forming with the new snow. The weather has generally been cloudy and cool, with periods of light snow and limited sun breaks. A few inches of snow has accumulated each day, helping to maintain good riding conditions for early March on most aspects. Although an observer on Wednesday reported a thin sun crust (likely formed Sunday) below the recent snow on southerly slopes, the crust faded away at higher elevations.  

Near Washington Pass, the Valentine's crust is 2-3 feet below the surface. There have been some isolated reports of weak snow adjacent to the crust though it's generally not a current concern for avalanches. On many slopes, you can still find the January 5th surface hoar buried over 3 feet deep. However, this layer isn't currently a concern for avalanches.

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