Avalanche forecast

East Slopes North

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

A storm impacting the mountains on Saturday night will bring heavy snow, strong winds, and increasing avalanche danger. You can trigger avalanches in deep drifts or where new snow falls on slick crusts. Consider sticking to wind sheltered terrain and avoid steep slopes near and above treeline. 

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

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

    While the mountain snowpack is still thin, this storm may bring up to a foot of fresh snow by the end of the day on Sunday. Strong winds associated with this storm will also build deep, unstable slabs of snow near ridges, especially in alpine terrain. There is significant uncertainty about how the new snow will bond with various old snow surfaces. The new snow will fall on slick crusts, weak snow, or thinly covered vegetation and may result in adjacent slopes having different avalanche conditions.Shaded, sheltered terrain such as north facing bowls may still hold weak faceted snow from mid-November's long, dry spell.  This storm will be the first real test for this snowpack structure. Approach sheltered northern terrain slowly and dig down below the storm snow to identify any sugary, weak snow. Avoid steep slopes if you find this layer or feel the snowpack collapse. Travel cautiously and observe changing conditions as you gain elevation. You can use quick hand pits and small rolls in terrain to observe how the new snow is bonding to the old snow surface. Look for red flag signs of instability, such as recent avalanches or shooting cracks, as these are sure signs to travel on low angle terrain. 

     

    (12/8/2021)

    An example of long shooting cracks in freshly wind drifted snow, a red flag sign of instability. 

    Photo: Matt Primomo

Avalanche Discussion

It's early season, the snowpack is shallow, and early season hazards exist, such as shallowly buried trees, rocks, and other obstacles. These may now lurk just below the new snow. Observations are limited on the extent and distribution of weak, faceted snow from mid-November. An Observer noted being able to easily push a pole through the snowpack to the ground in the Hairpin Valley on the 22nd, indicating a weak snowpack. On the 25th, an observer found light rain had fallen to Washinton Pass, and another observed it up to Blue Lake Col. The rain had created a few very small wet loose avalanches, and about an inch of the snow surface was saturated. The warm temperatures and rain may not have been enough to strengthen this weak layer of snow, so approach new terrain slowly and make observations as you travel. Please submit an observation if you make it out after the storm on Saturday!

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