Avalanche forecast

East Slopes North

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

Significant snow now blankets much of the mountains. You can trigger avalanches on steep slopes where the wind has drifted slabs of snow at upper elevations. You can avoid the danger by sticking to wind-sheltered areas and slopes under 35 degrees.

 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    You can trigger avalanches near and above treeline especially on leeward sides of rideges and terrain features. Some of these avalanches could be big enough to run to the valley bottom. Use caution on leeward slopes 35 degrees and steeper, especially where the wind formed thick drifts and pillows. Minimize your exposure to steep, unsupported overhead terrain where avalanches could come from above. 

    Since the weekend, wind directions have shifted from west to east and back to the west again. Observers report that the most significant wind loading has been from the west. Look for changes in loading patterns as you move through the terrain. You may also be able to trigger avalanches in uncohesive snow on very steep, unsupported slopes at all elevations. 

    (12/12/2021)

    A natural avalanche above Blue Lake likely ran on 12/11/2021. Washington Pass

    Photo: Josh Cole

Avalanche Discussion

Saturday was an active day on Washington Pass. Observers reported natural avalanches up to size D2.5 in the Hairpin Valley, the Cutthroat paths (Highway 20, just south of Cutthroat Creek), and the Blue Lake area (see above photo). On Monday, an observer east of Cutthroat Peak reported experiencing a collapse on a southerly aspect near treeline. Nearby, on a southeast aspect at 6,500ft another observer found 6 feet of snow with settled accumulations of 4.5 feet since December 4th. Test results indicated some lingering storm interfaces that are continuing to bond. They also found hard, resistant test results (CTH RP) on a stout crust that formed by rain in late November and is now 4.5 feet below the surface.

Preliminary Report: On Saturday morning, December 11, a party of six backcountry tourers were traveling uphill in a closed section of the Crystal Mountain Ski Area known as Silver Basin. The party triggered a large avalanche on an NE to E facing slope at approximately 6600’. While all members of the party were initially caught, four were fully buried. A nearby party of two witnessed the event and immediately assisted in the rescue. Crystal Mountain Ski Patrol was also notified and responded to the scene. Unfortunately, one of the fully buried victims did not survive. NWAC and Crystal Mountain Ski Patrol will collaborate to conduct an investigation. Our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and community.  SS-ASu-R3-D2.5-U; Crown Depth: estimated 2’ deep.

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