Avalanche forecast

East Slopes South

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

You can still trigger a large avalanche that breaks 1-3’ deep on a recently buried weak layer, or worse, on older snow near the ground. Steer around slopes if you notice recent avalanche activity, hear whumphs, or observe shooting cracks. Tread lightly at lower elevations since shallow snow conditions still exist. 

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Persistent slab avalanche problems usually take time to heal. Current observations have been limited across the east-south, however adjacent zones are dealing with a similar snowpack structure.

    This weekend be on the lookout for two layers of concern…

    1). Look for a recently buried layer of surface hoar ( buried December 8th).  This layer is now buried under 1-2’ of snow depending on where you are in the zone.  Buried surface hoar usually stands out as a thin gray line in the snowpack. If you can't visually see this layer in the upper snowpack, use snowpack tests such as compression tests or extended column tests as a tool to locate this layer.  

    2). Weak, sugary snow near the ground sitting next to a crust.  This weak layer from the end of November is still lingering in adjacent zones.  Recent avalanche activity in the East Central zone highlights that this weak snow is still reactive, specifically in upper elevation areas that have been wind loaded.  

    In-general be suspicious of steep, open slopes near and above treeline, especially on more shaded aspects. You can use snowpits to identify and test areas where sugar-like facets or feathery surface hoar layers have a denser slab above. When in doubt simply default to lower angled, simpler terrain to reduce the risk of triggering an avalanche.

     

     

     

    (12/15/2022)

    The layer of buried surface hoar was easily identifiable along the Tilly Jane Ski Trail.  Look for a thin gray line 12-15 inches below the snow surface. 

    SE aspect @ 5070 ft 

     

     

    Photo: Joe Dellaporta

Avalanche Discussion

There is a level of uncertainty with the distribution of weak layers across this zone.  Neighboring zones ( Mt Hood/ West-South) have observed recent avalanche activity on surface hoar and the East-Central have seen wind slabs stepping down into deeper weak layers. It will be essential to ease into terrain and complete your own snowpack observations. 

This short dry stretch has created variable surface conditions across the zone. On slopes that face the sun, you may find a thin breakable crust. More shaded and sheltered areas are still holding preserved dry snow. With the cold and clear nights, many areas have already developed a fresh crop of surface hoar and near-surface facets. This weak surface snow will be worth tracking as we head into our next round of precipitation later this weekend. 

With that, let us know what you see by submitting an observation on our  public observation platform!

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