Avalanche forecast

East Slopes South

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Continued snow with moderate winds sustains elevated danger at mid and upper elevations, and you could trigger avalanches in freshly drifted snow near ridgelines. Steer around steeper terrain with pillow-like drifts of snow. The Cascade crest and HWY 410 corridor received more snow, and avalanches may be larger and more consequential in these areas. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    The unsettled, snowy, and windy weather keeps coming. Both fresh and older wind slabs can be found on most aspects and potentially in unusual locations. Use visual clues like blowing snow, textured surfaces, or cornices to help you identify and avoid freshly wind-loaded slopes. Since recent snow may cover older wind slabs, they may be more difficult to identify visually, but you can use your pole or probe to feel for stiffer layers in the upper snowpack. 

    With minimal direct observations and uncertainty about the distribution and sensitivity of these overlapping wind slabs, entering new terrain slowly and making observations before committing to steep terrain in wind-affected areas is important. If you see signs of instability such as shooting cracks or feel the snowpack collapse beneath you, move to lower angle or wind-sheltered terrain.

    (4/11/2022) Wind slabs were found in some unusual spots. Fresh slabs were observed on slopes often stripped by the wind. Photo: Dallas Glass

Avalanche Discussion

The East South zone may receive 3-4 inches of snow overnight, with more expected in areas near the Cascade Crest. While we anticipate a mostly cloudy day with showers and lowering freezing levels for Tuesday, there is a chance of some sun breaks. New snow can quickly turn wet and heavy in the intense spring sun, making wet loose avalanches possible. So if you find yourself on slopes in direct sun with snow surfaces becoming moist or rollerballs forming, it will be best to move to lower angle or shady terrain. Even a small wet loose avalanche could be consequential if it knocks you off your feet and carries you into trees, rocks, over cliffs, or buries you in confined terrain. Spring weather in the Cascades is notoriously tricky and can change rapidly. If you are out adventuring during the long days, keep your senses tuned into the snow and look for signs of deteriorating snow stability. 

Access into areas of the East South with a consistent snowpack has become challenging, and therefore direct observations from the zone are limited. However, snow is piling up on the 4/8 Crust, now 1-4 feet deep, and it is worth digging down to investigate this interface before committing to any steep terrain. Some southern slopes that were recently snow-free up to 5700ft may now have over a foot of snow. Use extra caution in these lower elevations where obstacles may be lurking just under the new snow, and creek holes may be drifted over or hidden.

Regions covered