Avalanche forecast

East Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

Highlights

Before jumping into exposed, downwind terrain, investigate the snowpack for wind-loading. Unstable, wind-affected snow is often more consolidated and will crack or collapse underneath your equipment. Choose a lower angle or more sheltered slope if you encounter signs of instability.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Wind slabs are more sensitive closer to the Cascade Crest where more new snow fell recently. Read the forecasts for Snoqualmie Pass or Steven's Pass if you plan to recreate close to those zones. Wind-loaded terrain is most often found just below ridgelines and in cross-loaded gullies. You probably won't see blowing snow so look for clues that indicate previous snow transport such as cornices, soft pillow-like slabs, or denser, uneven snow surfaces. Read on in the forecast discussion if you're unsure how to understand uneven snow surfaces. Step off the skin or sled track to test small, low-angle slopes representative of the slope you plan to ski or sled before committing to steep terrain. While you're at it, stick your hands in the snow and check the bond of the slab sitting over the crust formed on 01/10. If you encounter cracking or collapsing, stick to slopes less than 35 degrees or find more sheltered terrain.

    (1/11/2025)

    Wind slabs are often found just below ridgelines such as this large avalanche observed on Snoqualmie Pass on 01/11.

Avalanche Discussion

NWAC Forecasters traveled to Icicle Creek and the Salmon La Sac over the weekend to investigate the presence of wind slabs. They both found signs of wind loading at all elevations, but signs of instability didn't appear until starting at middle elevations. The overlaying slabs were small but wanted to slide on a slick crust below with near-surface faceting above the crust in some spots. With calm, dry weather, we expect wind slab instability to heal quickly but we are still close enough to the last loading period that sensitivity remains.

If you've read on because you want to find out which direction you should look for wind loading if you encounter rippled, uneven snow surfaces, here's the best way I have found to think about: the "pointed" ridges of the ripples "point" towards the prevailing wind direction. It is a similar concept to how riming on trees usually happens on the side of the tree facing the wind. Keep scrolling for some photos that show examples of this.

Especially on slopes that see direct sunshine, you may encounter surface snow that is warming and weakening. Snow shedding off cliffs/trees and rollerballs/pinwheels indicate that the snowpack is losing cohesion and beginning to move. If you begin punching deeply through the snowpack and the snow feels heavy and sticky, consider moving to shadier slopes.

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