Avalanche forecast

East Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired last year.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

Highlights

Warming temperatures and sunny skies should set the stage for some wet loose avalanche activity and possibly some cornice shed. Pay attention to your timing and consider moving off steep slopes if the snow feels wet and heavy under your feet or machine.  If you head into higher terrain, keep wind slabs on your radar and look for signs of instability before engaging with steeper slopes.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    Clear skies and 5000 ft freezing levels will turn the snow surface wet and sticky on Thursday. Expect this wet avalanche problem to be most prominent around middle and upper elevations that have over 6 inches of snow over a crust. These wet loose avalanches will often occur in steep, sunlit terrain, especially if theres some adjacent cliffs or rocky terrain. Once these wet loose slides release, they could run a good ways on the underlying crust. You can simply avoid this problem by sticking to more shaded aspect or defeault to lower angled terrain. 

    Warmer temperatures may also start weakening cornices along ridgelines. Give these overhanging chunks of snow some space as temperatures heat up in the coming days.

    (3/18/2023)

    Rollerballs on steep slopes like this are an indication wet loose avalanches are possible. 

    Photo: Pat Riffie

Avalanche Discussion

Wednesday was a windy day across the Cascades, so keep wind slabs on your mind as you gain elevation on Thursday. These slabs won’t be that big, but could trigger easily in higher terrain that may hold more recent snowfall. Pay attention to surface textures and look for signs of instability before riding or climbing in bigger terrain. 

Lower elevations have taken a hit in the past weeks. Expect rough travel and longer approaches as the spring snowpack gives away to more dirt, rock, creeks and glacier lillies. 

With limited observations this time of the season, there is inherently more uncertainty in our avalanche forecast. You can help reduce that uncertainty by submitting a public observation here. 

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