Avalanche forecast

East Slopes North

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Ongoing warm temperatures and strong sun will maintain a threat of wet avalanches on slopes steeper than 35 degrees. Time your travel to be off of and out from under sun-exposed slopes before the snow becomes wet and weak. Use caution around cornices and wind features, especially near the Cascade Crest.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Wet avalanches will first be active on the east aspects and later on the west aspects. As you move through the mountains, take note of how much the surface snow has frozen or melted.  You may find dramatically different conditions at different aspects or elevations and as the day progresses. Plan ahead and be ready to move to slopes that are shaded or under 35 degrees. Move off of steep slopes before the snow is unsupportive and weak enough to entrain an avalanche.

    Tuesday will be the third day in a slow and ongoing wet loose avalanche cycle. There's still enough dry snow available to produce avalanches especially at mid to upper elevations and on northeast and northwest aspects. East wind may be enough to keep surfaces cool especially mid to upper elevations. 

    (4/9/2021) Example small wet loose avalanches from near Stevens Pass.

Avalanche Discussion

Warm temperatures and sun since the weekend may have triggered wet loose avalanches. A cold spring storm with very strong winds left around 3-5" at Washington Pass on Saturday. The new snow adds to the 3-6" of new snow that fell over the 4/7 interface. In shadier terrain, you may find a variety of surfaces at that interface. Cornices loom over many ridges and may fall during the warm days this week. Glide cracks have again begun to open in steep rocky terrain. Use extra caution to avoid being on or under features with glide cracks and cornices. The lower snowpack is generally strong and well settled.

If you're in the mountains, help us keep up with the quickly changing spring conditions by submitting an observation here. 

During the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, continue to follow the latest guidance from local, state, and federal health officials. Avoid unnecessary risks that could impact first responders and stress medical resources.  Wear a mask when appropriate, practice social distancing, and consider recreating closer to home.

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