Avalanche forecast

East Slopes South

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Cloudy skies and increasing ridgeline winds will lower the likelihood of wet loose avalanches on Thursday.  While generally safe avalanche conditions are forecast, continue to use caution around terrain traps and extreme terrain features if you find wet punchy snow. 

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Small wet loose avalanches are less likely on Thursday. Despite the continued high freezing levels, overcast skies and breezy ridgeline winds should help keep snow surfaces cooler and wet loose avalanches in check.  However, if you do find an avalanche on Thursday, it will probably a wet loose avalanche that you trigger in very steep terrain.  Even during periods of Low danger, you could trigger small avalanches in isolated areas. 

    Where you find wet and punchy snow, continue to avoid extreme terrain features and terrain traps (steep trees, cliff bands, open creek holes and exposed rocks). These are the places where even a small avalanche can have impactful consequences.  You can always shift to lower angle or cooler slopes.  

    (2/10/2024)

    You could encounter similar wet avalanches on Tuesday. 

    Photo: Brad C

Avalanche Discussion

Wednesday was warm and mostly sunny with afternoon temperatures in the 40s and a light to moderate SEerly breeze.  Tuesday's storm delivered a wide range of snowfall totals based on proximity to the Cascade crest and elevation.  Near the Cascade crest, likely 2-4" of new snow accumulated with deeper drifts in wind-loaded terrain. On the other extreme, the eastern mountains likely saw a dusting to an inch.  

Lower elevations and some aspects are melting out quickly this year. Be prepared for more challenging approaches, firm snow, and low coverage extending into middle elevations. Open creeks, exposed rocks, and slide-for-life conditions can easily exacerbate the consequence of a small avalanche. 

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