Avalanche forecast

East Slopes North

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

UPDATE: 7:15a Watch for triggering small avalanches where surface snow is poorly bonded to older layers and where the wind forms drifts above treeline. Any avalanches on Sunday will be small and shallow (5-10"), but they could run a long way down the slope. Expect enough southeast wind to drift snow on Saturday night and a dusting of another 1-2" of snow by the end of Sunday.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1

    Watch for triggering fresh wind slab avalanches on leeward sides of ridges and wind-exposed features.  Steer around features that look pillowed, drifted, or deeper than other slopes. Blowing snow, cracking, and stiff, cohesive snow are all indicators that you may be able to trigger a slide. The fresh slabs should be limited in width and distribution. I expect them to exist just at the top of start zones and to not extend into lower terrain.  Be prepared to make your own observations to determine if you can trigger these avalanches and where the slabs lie in the terrain.

    Southeast winds will be strongest on Saturday night but they may still gust enough to intermittently transport snow through Sunday. There may only be an additional 2" inches of snow by Sunday evening. However, there's enough light, dry snow available from Friday's storm to drift into slabs. 

Avalanche Discussion

With 4"-6" of low-density snow from Friday, you may still be able to trigger small loose dry avalanches are in steep slopes. While these avalanches will be small and easy to predict, they could run far and fast. On Saturday, observers reported widespread surface hoar growing to 5mm and very cold air temperatures. They found about 2 inches of recent snow east of Washington Pass and around 6" west of the pass and at upper elevations. A thick freezing rain crust from December 9th can be found below 5,000ft, and east of about the hairpin on Hwy 20, but not west of the there. Take note snow above this crust as we head into the next storm cycle. Currently, much of the overlying snow is soft and weak, which could make for a slippery weak layer if more snow is piled on top.

The snowpack remains shallow at lower elevations, and early season hazards such as downed trees, rocks and creeks are plentiful. At lower elevations and steep slopes, dust on crust conditions may make for icy and/or tricky travel.

During the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, continue to follow the latest guidance from local, state, and federal health officials. Avoid unnecessary risks that could impact first responders and stress medical resources. Wear a mask when appropriate, practice social distancing, and consider recreating closer to home.

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