Avalanche forecast

East Slopes North

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Strong westerly winds and new snow with cold temperatures should create reactive wind slabs on Saturday. Use caution on steep slopes exposed to wind if you observe shooting cracks, thick and hollow slabs, or active wind transport. A firm, refrozen crust may make for icy conditions on steep slopes further east in the zone.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    Shallow new winds slabs should be on your radar on Saturday.  New snow, with colder temperatures and sustained strong winds should continually build slabs during the day. Slabs may be thickest and larger at upper elevations, but you could stumble into small slabs near treeline.

    Look for active wind transport and areas of drifted snow as you climb in elevation. You may be able to easily identify slabs with surface texture. If you observe shooting cracks in drifted snow, then be sure to avoid steeper or consequential slopes. Consider areas that get enhanced wind loading such as steep slopes near low points on ridgelines, and cross drifted raised features mid-slope. Cornices may be fragile from recent growth, and could break under the weight of a person. Make sure to stay well away from the edge of them.

    Small wind slab example.

    Photo: Will Govus

Avalanche Discussion

Washington Pass picked up a few inches in a short amount of time on Friday afternoon. New snow may continue to accumulate, and winds should continue to blow on Saturday. Beneath the new snow, you'll likely find a recently formed, and frozen crust. This crust may be on the surface in windward areas or further east in the zone. Consider bringing traction tools for travel on these slick and/or icy surfaces. 

Roughly 2-3 ft of snow accumulated near the Cascade crest earlier this week with strong westerly ridgeline winds during a significant spring snow storm.  WSDOT crews reported a few large avalanches (up to D2.5) that hit the road near the Pass on Tuesday.  Wet loose avalanches up to D2 were observed Wednesday and Thursday. SR 20 is currently gated at Silverstar. With road clearing operations underway midweek and professional operations in the area spinning down for the season, your observations are needed. If you're out in the mountains, let us know what you see. 

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