Avalanche forecast

East Slopes North

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Periods of moderate E-SE winds will continue to move snow at upper elevations.  While most wind slabs will be shallow, larger avalanches will become possible the longer this pattern continues.  As light new snow continues to accumulate in wind-sheltered areas, the chances of natural or human-triggered dry loose avalanches in very steep terrain will increase. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    We'll see E-SE ridgeline winds generally ramp up and move an increasing about of loose snow near and especially above treeline tonight through Thursday night, gradually increasing the likelihood that you'll find and trigger a wind slab avalanche.  Use caution on lee steep slopes below ridges, steering around convex rolls and avoiding steep terrain below the base of cliffs.  You can feel for stiff over soft snow layering and look for signs of cracking to identify areas of potentially unstable, wind-drifted snow.  Cornices that formed during recent periods of strong W-SW winds may not help you identify which slopes are wind-loaded. 

    (2/23/2023)

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

    Photo: Will Govus

  • Loose Dry

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

    In wind-sheltered and very steep terrain, natural or human-triggered small dry loose avalanches are possible.  Cold loose snow has incrementally piled up over the last few days and another few inches are expected tonight and Thursday, with higher amounts possible for eastern parts of the zone. 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. 

    (3/3/2023)

    Dry loose avalanche.  Upper Twisp River drainage

    Photo: Willie Webster

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.  The weather over this period has been generally cloudy and cool with periods of light snow and limited sunbreaks.  A few inches of snow has accumulated each day over this period, helping to maintain good riding conditions for early March on most parts of the dial.  An observer on Wednesday did report a thin sun crust (likely formed Sunday) below the recent snow on southerly slopes, but that the crust generally 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. The January 5th surface hoar can still be found over 3 feet below the surface on many slopes. You may be able to identify the layer as a grey stripe or with planar results in snowpack tests. The layer isn't currently a concern for avalanches.

Regions covered