Avalanche forecast

East Slopes South

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 years ago.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

Highlights

Light, gusty winds may build unstable slabs on lee aspects. You could trigger these slabs in alpine terrain near ridges. Approach ridgelines cautiously, and if you see signs of recent wind loading, steer around steeper terrain. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Even though the forecasted winds are light and gusty, they may still transport the available cold, low-density snow and develop wind slabs on lee aspects. If traveling above treeline, use caution near ridges and look for blowing snow building fresh wind slabs. These wind slabs are likely to be found in alpine terrain near ridges and rocky outcrops.

    Look and feel for signs of wind-loading as you travel, like blowing snow and changes in snow surface texture and hardness. If you experience shooting cracks or see recent avalanches, choose low-angle terrain. 

    With new snow depths tapering from west to east from the Cascade Crest, expect that larger and more sensitive wind slabs may reside closer to the crest.

    Example of shooting crack in wind blown snow. 

    Photo: Dallas Glass

Avalanche Discussion

Cold, dry, very light snow has been piling up in the Cascades since 12/21. In areas close to the Cascade Crest, up to 2ft of snow has fallen, while areas further east have only picked up 5 to 6 inches. While observations are limited, reports from neighboring zones indicate that the storm snow is bonded well to the melt-freeze crust from 12/21. Cold temperatures tend to slow the settlement of new snow, and you can anticipate deep travel conditions in many areas, especially closer to the crest. Light snow showers may continue into Monday, along with very cold temperatures.

Before this recent storm, the upper Tieton River Valley showed a generally thin snowpack. While most slopes now hold continuous snow, many rocks and trees were still visible. The deepest snowpacks are around the Mt Aix and Bumping Ridge areas.

Bitterly cold temperatures are in the forecast again for Monday. Expect single digits and below zero temperatures. Cold injuries to fingers, toes, and noses are common at these frigid temperatures. So it will be worth it to bring some extra layers, extra warm gloves, hand warmers, and a thermos with a hot drink. 

If you head out into the snow, you can help shape the forecast by letting us know what you see.

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