Avalanche forecast

East Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

New snow and intense winds will build unstable slabs of snow at upper elevations. Avalanches are likely to be larger and more consequential in areas closer to the Cascade Crest. If you find thick, pillowlike drifts of snow, choose lower angle terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    New snow and strong winds will likely develop stiff wind slabs on all aspects at upper elevations. With 6-8inches of new snow and wind speeds that may reach up to 50mph, these slabs may form in unusual places and further downslope than you may expect. While the anticipated size of these avalanches is small, they may be widespread. With more snow likely to accumulate near the Crest, wind slabs may be larger as you approach the western edge of the East Central Zone. Areas furthest east in the zone may not receive enough snow to create much of a hazard.  

    Use visual clues to identify wind-affected snow, such as actively blowing snow, textured surfaces, cornices, or drifts around rocks and trees. You can also use quick hand pits to dig down and identify wind stiffened snow over softer snow. If you see signs of instability such as shooting cracks or collapsing, stick to lower angle slopes or wind-sheltered terrain.

    Rough surfaces and a thin snowpack limit avalanche hazard at lower elevations throughout the zone.

    (4/5/2022) Intense blowing snow in Tumwater Canyon near Hatchery Creek. Photo: Josh Hirshberg

Avalanche Discussion

After a few sunny warm days, the weather roller coaster has brought us back into winter just in time for the weekend. A storm will impact the Cascades, bringing lowering freezing levels, snow, and powerful winds. While this isn't quite as much of a snow producer for the east slopes as the last storm was, areas near the Crest may pick up 6-8inches of snow. However, expect snow totals to drop off quickly further east of the Crest, with Mission Ridge and Blewett Pass likely only picking up a few inches. 

Earlier in the week, a storm deposited 2-3 feet of snow in areas of the zone close to the Crest, with locations further east picking up around 1 foot. Then, that snow was cooked by temperatures that rose rapidly into the 40s (F) and the intense spring sun. Observers could easily trigger small wet loose avalanches at lower elevations, even on shaded terrain. Many snow surfaces now have a surface crust of varying thickness, depending on elevation and aspect. At the highest elevations on northern slopes, there may still be dry snow that was heavily affected by the strong winds during and after the April 4-5th storm. 

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