Avalanche forecast

East Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

Highlights

While conditions are generally safe in most of the zone, Expect more heightened conditions at the Cascade crest on the western edge of the zone. There you may find enough moist, unfrozen snow to trigger small rollerballs or even wet avalanches at the Cascade crest.  On Thursday, sun may filter through mostly cloudy skies, along with light precipitation. 

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    While conditions are generally safe, there's a chance that you could encounter wet, weak snow. You may be able to trigger very small wet loose avalanches as the sun filters through the clouds. These avalanches are predictable and easy to manage until they aren't. Use caution on extreme terrain features and terrain traps (steep trees, cliff bands, open creek holes and exposed rocks) where even a small avalanche can be dangerous. Where you find wet and punchy snow,  shift to lower angle or cooler/shadier slopes.   

    (2/10/2024)

    As the sun makes an appearence, you may notice rollerballs and slides like this. 

    Photo: Brad C

Avalanche Discussion

Tuesday's storm delivered a wide range of snowfall totals based on proximity to the Cascade crest and elevation. The large majority of the zone picked up little to no recent snow. At the Cascade crest, you may find 4-6" of recent snow with deeper drifts at upper elevation wind-exposed terrain. If you venture above 6,500ft near the Cascade Crest, be ready to assess any recent drifts of snow for wind slab avalanche conditions.

Lower elevations are melting out quickly this year as highlighted in these observations from the Teanaway drainage and the Salmon la Sac area.  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. 

Let us know what you see as you travel in the mountains by submitting a public observation here. 

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