Avalanche forecast

East Slopes South

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

You can trigger wet loose avalanches on steep slopes at all elevations. Give steep slopes some space if you notice rollerballs actively shedding or recent wet loose avalanches. Above treeline, keep an eye out for unstable pockets of wind drifted snow.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    The ongoing warm, soggy conditions will help maintain the wet loose avalanche hazard. Look for these wet avalanches on any steep slope, especially near rock or cliff bands. Rollerballs and pinwheels are obvious precursors to wet loose avalanches. You can use small test slopes to see how easily this wet snow releases. Move to lower angle slopes if you notice rollerballs actively shedding or recent wet loose avalanches.

    (4/7/2023)

    Natural loose wet avalanches below rocky complex terrain. 

    Photo: Patrick O'Moore

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Somewhere above 6000 ft you’ll likely encounter drier snow, so in these locations wind slabs may be lurking on leeward slopes. Due to recent warm temperatures, these slabs are likely becoming more stubborn to trigger, but could act as an unwelcome surprise if you do trigger one. You’ll typically find these wind drifted slabs on the downwind side of rides, below cornices, or adjacent to rock and cliff bands. Pay attention to wind textured snow surfaces to help you identify slopes of concerns. Pillow-like slabs, dunes, or ripples are all signs of recent wind drifting. Before easing into larger terrain, use small test slopes to help you gauge how sensitive this wind drifted snow is. As always, be ready to pump the brakes and default to lower angle terrain if you notice hollow slabs or shooting cracks under your sled or feet. 

    (3/23/2023)

    Dial it back if you notice shooting cracks in 

    Photo: Joe Dellaporta

Avalanche Discussion

Spring is really starting to run its course across the East-South. We have a bit of uncertainty about how much new snow higher elevations of the east-south received. What we know is that elevations up to  6000 ft have been warming up above freezing and have received a mix of rain and snow in the past days. However, if you climb above 6500 ft, you may encounter a different story. At these elevations you may find more than 6 inches of dense new snow from 4/7. So when uncertainty exists, take a step back and ease into terrain. Make thoughtful observations before going full throttle into a large, open slope at upper elevations. 

Due to recent warm temperatures, you may encounter shallow conditions or even bare slopes on solar slopes at lower elevations. 

Regions covered