Avalanche forecast

East Slopes North

Northwest Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago.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

Highlights

Happy Thanksgiving! It is possible to trigger a slab avalanche if you venture onto steep slopes in the alpine. The avalanche danger is easing, but keep your senses open for signs of instability such as shooting cracks through wind drifted snow.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    As you get higher look for instability such as shooting cracks or collapsing of large sections of snow with a person's weight. Wind slabs may feel punchy as you travel over them, or dense and cohesive. Cornices and thick drifts are also clues that wind has moved snow recently. You are most likely to trigger an avalanche on northwest through southeast aspects on steep slopes in the alpine zone. There will be many areas where you can safely travel on Thursday, even in the alpine zone. However, if you find instabilities such as shooting cracks, then avoid steep slopes nearby. 

    On south facing slopes and at lower elevations, watch for rollerballs as the daytime warms. Small loose wet avalanches could occur on steep slopes by the afternoon.

    Remember, it is still early season and the snowpack is shallow. Consider the consequences of even a small slide, which could result in a rough ride. Obstacles like hidden stumps, rocks, and open water still abound. 

    Example of wind affected snow in the alpine.

Avalanche Discussion

Washington Pass picked up about 6" of new snow on Wednesday morning, and winds gusted into the 20's from the southwest. The snowpack in the area is generally 3.5ft to 5ft deep. On Wednesday, an observer found minimal slab character up to the near treeline zone. Over the past week observers have identified a snowpack with a favorable hardness profile and good stability. However, one isolated deep avalanche was observed (see photo in media gallery). This slide occurred on a North aspect at about 7,000ft in Liberty Bowl. The crown was over 3ft deep, and it appeared to have run on weak snow above a melt freeze crust near the ground. Our best guesses date it back to 11/18 or so. Although no other snowpack observations found weak snow near the ground, this is direct evidence that it is out there, and could be a problem in very isolated locations in the future. 

Check out our new observations platform, and consider submitting an ob if you get out. Now is a great time to run through your safety equipment, and check to make sure everything is in good working order. Check my recent blog post on it here!

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.

Regions covered