Avalanche forecast

East Slopes North

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

Stormy winter weather returns, bringing light snow accumulation and increasing wind Friday afternoon. You may be able to trigger small avalanches just below ridges, where the wind forms stiffer drifts of snow. If you find 6" or more of new snow in wind-sheltered terrain, you may be able to trigger small loose avalanches.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Expect increasing avalanche danger throughout the day. By afternoon, you may be able to trigger small avalanches at upper elevations in wind-affected terrain. Watch for clues like blowing snow (see photo) and areas of stiffer slabs on leeward slopes. You can avoid avalanches by steering around these small drifts just below ridges. Easier still, you can stick to 1) lower elevation, wind-sheltered terrain, 1) scoured, windward aspects, or 3) slopes under 35 degrees.

    It may be difficult to trigger avalanches early in the day or on wind-sheltered slopes. Wind will increase in the afternoon and may easily transport the light, low-density snow. If you find more than 6" of snow in wind-sheltered areas, consider that you could trigger small loose avalanches on slopes over 35 degrees.  Either way, you can use quick tests to check the bond between new and old snow. 

    (11/21/2023)

    An example of wind drifting snow and forming slabs near ridgelines.

    Photo: Matt Primomo

Avalanche Discussion

 While forecasted water amounts are minimal, cold temperatures could wring out several inches of low-density snow.  New snow is falling on various weak layers like facets, surface hoar, and slick crusts. Even if this isn't a problem for Friday, weak layers may be the source of avalanches as snow accumulates over the weekend. The coming week will bring intense storms and, at times, warm temperatures. We expect dangerous avalanche conditions to develop as snow (and maybe rain) accumulates.

It's still early season, and our confidence in the avalanche forecast is low. Approach mountain travel with caution and be ready to make your own assessments. Snow cover is still shallow in many places. Hitting buried rocks, stumps, and creeks may be your most significant hazard of the day.

Anyone can add to the forecast. Let us know what you see in the mountains by submitting an observation.

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