Avalanche forecast

East Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Expect variable travel conditions depending on aspect, sun and wind exposure, and elevation. You may be able to trigger small wet loose avalanches on steep slopes in the sun with moistening snow. Very strong winds should keep snow surfaces cool at upper elevations. 

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    You may be able to trigger small loose wet avalanches in the sun as the daytime warms up. Ridgeline winds and clouds may keep some snow surfaces cool, while others may be sheltered and receive direct sun. There is significant variability throughout the terrain, so take time to observe the snow surfaces. If you see pinwheels or rollerballs, the snow feels wet and heavy, or test slopes show wet snow could move downhill, you might be able to trigger a wet loose avalanche. Steep slopes with moist snow in the sun are prime locations for wet loose avalanches to start. Be aware of overhead hazards and terrain traps that can increase the consequences of being caught in even a small avalanche.

    In some locations, weak faceted snow may exist above or beneath a crust from late January. There is uncertainty on how this layer will react to warming temperatures later this week. It is possible that a wet loose avalanche could trigger a deeper and surprisingly large slab avalanche. If you're traveling in the north and northeastern portion of the zone, check out the East North zone forecast where more widespread persistent slabs have occurred recently. 

    (2/7/2022)

    Very small wet loose slide.

    Photo: Andrew Pierce

Avalanche Discussion

The most recent weather to affect the snowpack has been strong winds. In most areas, there wasn't much snow available to drift, so we don't have a new wind slab problem. Lower elevations and sunny slopes have been melting with each day as the sun gets higher in the sky. In sheltered and shaded upper elevation locations near the crest, you may find 10-16" of recent snow sitting over crust layers from late January.From Jan 30- Feb 2, storms left over a foot of snow over various surfaces, including weak faceted snow and strong melt-freeze crusts. Strong ridgeline winds have redistributed much of that new snow into dense slabs, scoured west aspects, and created stiff wind-board surfaces. Travel conditions range from thick supportable crusts, breakable crusts, corn-like soft snow, heavy wet snow, or dry settled snow, and various degrees of dry snow with wind stiffened surfaces.

On sheltered north and east aspects, facets over a crust have been observed at mid-elevations beneath the storm snow from 1/30. This layer seems inconsistent in distribution, and snowpack tests have shown variable results, but in very isolated areas it could be problematic. This layer is only 1-2ft deep, so you can dig down to identify these layers quickly as you move through the terrain. If you find weak, sugary snow over a firm melt-freeze crust under a cohesive slab, you have the recipe for slab avalanche layering on nearby steep slopes. 

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