Avalanche forecast

East Slopes South

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Avalanches are generally unlikely. However, in the afternoon, you may be able to trigger small wet avalanches in isolated, very steep terrain near rocks and cliffs. Use caution in extreme terrain where even small avalanches can cause falls with high consequences. 

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    The snowpack has been through some very warm temperatures this week, and a refreeze overnight on Wednesday has helped decrease the likelihood of wet loose avalanches. However, as freezing levels creep back up over 7000ft in the afternoon on Friday, you may still be able to trigger a wet loose avalanche in very steep, rocky terrain. These daily temperature fluctuations in the springtime are more significant than earlier in the winter. A cold night with a good refreeze of the snow surface can decrease the likelihood of wet avalanches the following day. So, take note of how well the snow surface when you start your day. If you easily punch through tin crusts in the morning, wet avalanches will be more likely. If the snow surface is well frozen and supportable wet avalanches are less likely. If you begin to sink deeply into heavy wet snow or see new avalanches, dial it back and stick to lower angle terrain. Use caution in consequential terrain where even small avalanches can bury you in deep ravines, push you off cliffs, or into trees or rocks. 

    (1/25/2022)

    You may see rollerballs and older small wet loose avalanches like these in very steep terrain on Friday.

    Photo: Katie Warren

Avalanche Discussion

If you get out into the mountains, let us know what you find for snow depth and surface conditions by sending in an observation.

The East South zone is certainly not breaking any records for snowpack depths this winter. The warm temperatures associated with recent storms kept snow accumulations minimal at elevations below 6000ft. Below treeline areas have very little or no snowpack, and many southerly aspects are melted out to ridgetops. Utilizing roads and summer trails to access higher elevations with a more robust snowpack is the best option. Travel cautiously, especially at lower elevations, to avoid impacts with rocks or stumps, and beware of open creeks.

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