Avalanche forecast

East Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

You could still trigger avalanches in wind drifted snow at mid and upper elevations. The areas near Mission Ridge and the Wenatchee Mountains received the most snow out of Monday's storm and are potentially the most likely place to trigger an avalanche. Consider sticking to lower angle slopes in wind-affected terrain or seek wind-sheltered areas.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Many eastern locations in the zone received 11-14inches of snow overnight with strong to extreme winds. Mission Ridge recorded wind gusts into the 90mph range. Observers at Mission Ridge reported significant wind transport with drifts up to 2 feet deep and windward slopes scoured to the Early April crust. Winds that shifted directions formed wind slabs on various aspects and sometimes in unusual locations. There is plenty of snow available for transport, and moderate winds will continue to drift snow into unstable slabs overnight into Tuesday morning. These fresh wind slabs may be easier to trigger than older, more stubborn wind slabs. However, these older slabs may also be challenging to identify with a few inches of fresh snow covering the textured surfaces. Still, visual clues such as actively blowing snow, cornices, or drifts around rocks and trees can help identify wind-affected terrain. You can also use your pole or probe to feel for stiffer snow over softer snow. If you see signs of instability such as shooting cracks or collapsing, stick to lower angle slopes or wind-sheltered terrain.

    Rough surfaces and a thin snowpack limit avalanche potential at lower elevations throughout the zone. Still, the snow has been piling up for the last few days, and you may be able to trigger small avalanches in the new snow, even at lower elevations. Use caution in terrain where a small avalanche could push you into rocks, trees, or other obstacles. 

    (3/16/2022)

    Wind slab in high elevation terrain in the Icicle Creek drainage.

    Photo: Matt Primomo

Avalanche Discussion

Expect a mostly cloudy day on Tuesday, but a few breaks in the clouds are possible. If you see rollerballs or the snow becomes moist and heavy in the strong April sun, you should consider moving to lower angle or shady slopes.Observers in the Salmon la Sac area reported approximately 3 feet of recent snow over the Early April Crust. Northerly aspects had a favorable, right-side-up dry snowpack, while southerly aspects quickly became wet with widespread rollerballs.Access into the East Central is challenging, and direct observations are limited. However, recent snow has been piling up, and upper elevations still have a deep and layered winter snowpack. If you are out adventuring during the long days, keep your senses tuned into the snow and look for signs of deteriorating snow stability. Even brief sun breaks can quickly cause wet loose or dry loose avalanche problems. The dynamic spring weather and increased diurnal temperature fluctuations create more uncertainty about what avalanche problems you may encounter during the day. If you observe weather or snowpack conditions you did not anticipate, it may be best to simplify your terrain selection and choose lower angle slopes.

Regions covered