Avalanche forecast

East Slopes South

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

Highlights

Wet snow avalanches are a concern with lingering snowpack moisture and warm temperatures. Use caution on slopes steeper than 35 degrees if you find signs of wet snow instability and be on the lookout for reexposed early-season hazards.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    Moisture from the rain event Tuesday night lingers in the snowpack. Combined with warm temperatures and a chance for a bit more rain, wet snow avalanches remain on the table. The typical progression of wet loose avalanches involves rollerballs and pinwheels that lead to point releases. Other signs that indicate warming are sticky snow surfaces, chunks of snow falling off trees, and water dripping from cliffs. Give sagging cornices a lot of space whether you’re above or below them. If the snow under your skis or sled is heavy or sloppy, keep to slopes less than 35 degrees, or find terrain with a firm, supportable crust.

    (12/19/2024)

    The debris toe of a small wet loose avalanche in the East Central zone.

    Photo: Payton Schiff

Avalanche Discussion

It can often take a few days for moisture to fade out of the snowpack, which is exactly what we’re finding right now. On Wednesday, an NWAC forecaster found moist snow over halfway down in the snowpack in the nearby East Central zone. Thursday night and Friday weather will not speed up the drying process, so instability lingers.

There is uncertainty in this zone regarding the freezing rain crust at lower elevations. It may be similar to the East Central zone or it could be less pronounced. Either way, find supportable, refrozen surfaces if you plan to get out into steeper terrain. 

Return to an early season terrain management mindset as you travel around. Rain could have re-exposed hazards such as rocks, open creeks, and trees that were previously buried under snow. Freezing rain that fell at lower elevations created a breakable “trap crust” that even a sled might have trouble with. Give yourself the time and space to navigate variable conditions, no matter your elevation.

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