Avalanche forecast

East Slopes South

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago.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

The snowpack has gone through a few melt-freeze cycles, and avalanches are generally unlikely. However, with freezing levels climbing above 7000ft tomorrow, you may be able to trigger small wet avalanches in isolated, very steep terrain near rocks and cliffs. Use caution in extreme terrain where even small avalanches can cause falls with high consequences. 

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    The snowpack has been through multiple melt-freeze cycles this week which have helped decrease the likelihood of wet loose avalanches. However, another day with freezing levels over 7000ft is in store for Saturday, and you may still be able to trigger a wet loose avalanche in very steep, rocky terrain. These daily temperature fluctuations in the springtime are more significant than earlier in the winter. A cold night with a good refreeze of the snow surface can decrease the likelihood of wet avalanches the following day. So, take note of how well the snow surface when you start your day. If you easily punch through thin crusts in the morning, wet avalanches will be more likely. If the snow surface is well frozen and supportable, wet avalanches are less likely. If you begin to sink deeply into heavy wet snow or see new avalanches, dial it back and stick to lower angle terrain. Use caution in consequential terrain where even small avalanches can bury you in deep ravines, push you off cliffs, or into trees or rocks. 

    (1/25/2022)

    You may see rollerballs and small wet loose avalanches like these in very steep terrain on Saturday.

    Photo: Katie Warren

Avalanche Discussion

The snowpack is decreasing quickly in the East South zone. Looking east from White Pass reveals lots of bare ground on west and south aspects east of the Cascade Crest. While higher elevations near Mt. Aix still have a more robust snowpack, very little or no snow exists below treeline. Utilizing roads and summer trails to access higher elevations with more snow is the best option. Travel cautiously, especially at lower elevations, to avoid impacts with rocks or stumps, and beware of open creeks. If you get out into the mountains, let us know what you find for snow depth and surface conditions by sending in an observation.

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