Avalanche forecast

East Slopes North

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

New snow and wind should create wind slab danger at upper elevations. Avalanches should remain on the smaller, and soft side on Saturday, but they could be reactive especially in areas of active wind transport like off ridgelines and near cornices.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    New snow along with increased ridgeline winds should create fresh new wind slabs. Look for signs of recent and active wind transport as you gain elevation, especialy as you near ridgelines and cornices. Look and feel for stiffer, cohesive snow.  Use small test slopes and other practical tests to asess how the new snow is bonding. Pay attention to signs of instability such as long shooting cracks and other recent avalanches if you see them. Be cautious around steep slopes below cornices, off ridgelines, and near rocks and cliffs.

    Example cross loaded gully above a snowmobile road.

    Photo: Matt Primomo

Avalanche Discussion

Expect more accumulating snow further west in the zone, as is typical with a storm on SW to W flow in the region. The sun could poke out during the day, if it does look for moistening snow surfaces. If your in an area with more than a few inches of new snow, then expect small wet loose avalanches to become possible.

On Thursday, Willie snowmobiled up to Harts Pass  finding some large debris piles to cross over on the way. The road was melting out quickly near Deadhorse Pt. He found a mix of sun crusts on the surface, though higher elevations looked to hold a cold, layered snowpack. We have minimal recent information from Washington Pass with the spring plowing operations just beginning.

Assess conditions as you travel using quick hand pits and test slopes to observe how new snow reacts. Recent reports are that southern aspects have had supportable crusts, with only due north slopes holding onto cold, dry powder. However, easterly winds this past week have also likely damaged snow surfaces, so expect to find plentiful wind-affect and scoured slopes throughout the terrain. 

Regions covered