Avalanche forecast

East Slopes North

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
3 · Considerable
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Highlights

The warmest temperatures so far this winter are causing the mountains to shed. Wet loose avalanches may be very easily triggered, cornices are dripping, and glide avalanches have been releasing. Avoid going on steep slopes if they are unsupportable, or if you see cornices or glide cracks above. 

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    Snow surfaces will quickly become wet and unsupportable, as we expect minimal, if any refreeze. Wet avalanches will first be active on northeast aspects and later on south, and then west aspects. Take note of what the snow surfaces are like. Do you punch through easily, or stay on top? If the snow is unsupportable and punchy, it is probably weak enough to entrain an avalanche. These slides have begun to occur even on north-facing slopes, and slides on most aspects could gouge down into deeper layers. It will be safest to avoid steep slopes, and especially big complex terrain as this 'shed cycle' ensues. 

    If you choose to go into the mountains this weekend, plan your exit strategy with overhead dangers in mind, and avoid complex terrain.

    (4/16/2021) Example of recent wet loose avalanches from the Stevens Pass zone.

  • Glide Cracks

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–3

    Look out for glide cracks, or crevasse-like cracks on steep slopes. These may release spontaneously, creating very large and destructive avalanches. Similarly, cornices loom over some ridgelines, have been dripping, and may fail with the hot temperatures. Use extra caution to avoid being on or under slopes with glide cracks and cornices.

    Water has also begun to run through the lower elevation snowpack and many glide avalanches have been releasing. With both of these red flags in mind, along with continued soaring temperatures, more glide avalanches are expected to release. 

    (4/16/2021) Example glide avalanche from night of (4/15) on Goat Mountain in the West North zone. The crown is well over 10 feet deep. Photo: Andi Nelson

Avalanche Discussion

The warmest day so far this winter is on tap for Saturday. With these very warm temperatures, meltwater is beginning to filter deeper into the snowpack. This is quickly changing our snowpack from a dry winter-like pack to a wet and mushy one. Glide cracks are widening in steep terrain and many D2-D3 glide avalanches were reported from around the Cascades on Friday, including smaller ones from the Cutthroat Paths on Highway 20. If you go for a bike ride up Hwy 20 over the weekend, consider the chances for these avalanches to run naturally and hit you on the pavement.

WSDOT highway forecasters have been working to clear Highway 20. On Thursday, they dug a profile on a southeast aspect at 4,000ft in one of the Cutthroat avalanche paths. They found over 5 feet of snow on the ground with a couple of recent storm layers in the top foot of the snowpack and a layer of rounding facets near the ground. Since the 7th, two storms brought a total of 6" to 1 foot of snow. The middle and lower snowpack is generally strong and well settled.

Information and access to avalanche terrain have become limited in the zone. Make your own assessment of conditions. Help us keep up with the changing spring conditions by submitting an observation here. 

Daily avalanche forecasts will end on Sunday, April 18th. 

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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