Avalanche forecast

East Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

Shifting wind directions will redistribute recent storm snow, and it may be possible to trigger avalanches in wind drifted snow near ridges. Approach upper elevation terrain conservatively and feel for hard over soft snow before committing to steep slopes. In the eastern portion of the zone, challenging travel on icy surfaces will likely remain the most significant hazard.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    With a shift to easterly winds and plenty of snow available for transport, you may find newly formed sensitive shallow wind slabs on westerly aspects. Cornices form with the prevailing wind direction, and wind slabs from Easterly winds may form on the opposite side of the ridge. Older wind slabs formed over the weekend may be hidden below a dusting of new snow and becoming more difficult to trigger. Winds slabs are likely overlying surfaces such as slick crusts or weak snow over the recent Valentine's Day Crust. So if you are traveling at upper elevations near ridges, you should be on the lookout for pillow-like drifts of snow on all aspects. Watch for blowing snow or signs of instability such as shooting cracks, recent avalanches, or collapsing. These are signs you should stick to wind-sheltered or lower-angle terrain. You can use your ski pole or probe to look at the depths of wind slabs, and hand pits can identify interfaces where overlying slabs slide easily.

    Precipitation amounts tapered quickly east of the Cascade Crest, and there is likely little avalanche hazard in the eastern portion of the zone. 

    (12/8/2021) Long shooting cracks in freshly wind drifted snow

    Photo: Matt Primomo

Avalanche Discussion

Tuesday will likely be a chilly day with highs in the mid-teens and moderate easterly winds. But we are moving towards the end of February, and the sun is increasing in intensity, so you may find isolated wet loose avalanches are a possibility on very steep slopes in direct sunlight. If the snow feels wet and heavy or you start to see rollerballs, you may want to make your way to shadier or lower angle terrain. On shady slopes, you may also be able to trigger small but fast-moving dry loose avalanches. Snow accumulations tapered quickly from west to east in the zone. Observers found up to 20 inches of snow in areas closer to the Crest and areas further east under 10 inches of snow was reported, with Mission Ridge only receiving a few inches. Overall it seems the new snow had bonded well with the underlying crusts, but there is still a lot of variability in surfaces throughout this large zone. Therefore, approach new terrain slowly with a conservative mindset and make observations as you travel. Quick hand pits are a great way to investigate shallowly buried interfaces. If the new snow slides easily off the underlying surfaces, or you can get shooting cracks on small test slopes, it is probably time to move to lower angle terrain. In eastern areas of the zone, challenging travel conditions on icy surfaces will be the main hazard. Observers have reported glazed over wind board and bulletproof surfaces on high, north-facing terrain. Sharp tools like crampons and an ice axe may be necessary for travel in some areas to prevent long uncontrollable slides. 

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