Avalanche forecast

East Slopes South

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Thu
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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago.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

It will still be possible to trigger avalanches in wet snow on Wednesday. If you are sinking deeply into wet, heavy snow, consider keeping to low-angle slopes. Be aware of rocks, cliffs, open creeks, and other obstacles that may increase the consequences of being caught in even a small avalanche.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    Precipitation from the atmospheric river is tapering off, and only light rain showers are in the forecast for Wednesday. But sustained mild temperatures and a saturated snowpack will keep wet loose avalanches as a concern. Many places in the east south zone have little snow, and most avalanches will probably be small. But at higher elevations near the crest, especially in areas near Chinook Pass and Bumping Lake, you will find a deeper snowpack along with a higher chance of triggering a wet loose avalanche big enough to catch and bury you. Also, keep in mind that even small avalanches can injure or kill you in high consequence terrain. If you are sinking deeply into wet, heavy snow or observe natural small wet avalanches and rollerballs, it is best to stick to low-angle slopes. 

    (1/10/2022)

    Example of a small Wet Loose avalanche on a cut bank that occurred.

    Photo: Andrew Kiefer

Avalanche Discussion

Most of the east south zone suffers from inconsistent and low snow cover. The prolonged dry and warm weather of January and February really took a toll on the snowpack. Much of the snow melted back to bare ground at lower elevations, making access challenging in some parts of the zone. Similarly, shallow spots in the snowpack on more southerly slopes and near ridges shrunk, exposing rocks, trees, and dirt. You can expect deep, soggy, and challenging travel through wet unconsolidated snow in areas where you find a consistent snowpack. The snowpack increases dramatically as you gain elevation, especially on shady northern aspects. For more information on how our current snowpack compares to seasonal averages, check out the monthly Climatological Snow Depth Report. 

Regions covered