Avalanche forecast

East Slopes Central

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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

It's likely to feel like spring again on Wednesday. Expect warm temperatures and increasing concern for wet avalanches in the afternoon, particularly on steep south aspects. If snow surfaces become wet and heavy, and you begin to see rollerballs, consider moving to shady or lower-angle slopes.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    The last few days have been a slow ramp-up of increasing temperatures and decreasing cloud cover, and Wednesday will look even more like spring. Many lower elevations and southern aspects have a melt-freeze crust on the surface that formed during the past couple of sunny days, but this will break down quickly in the warmer temperatures on Wednesday. Clouds may filter in by the afternoon, but with clear skies for much of the day, expect the recent snow to become wet and heavy. Wet loose avalanches could run naturally, or you could trigger one at your feet or equipment. Look for rollerballs and pinwheels as warning signs of an increasing likelihood of wet avalanches. These slides often initiate from rocks or trees shedding snow onto steep slopes, so be aware of any overhead hazards as you travel. If you are sinking deeply into heavy, moist snow, it might be time to move to shadier slopes or choose lower-angle routes.

    (3/18/2023)

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

    Photo: Pat Riffie

Avalanche Discussion

There are likely still isolated pockets where you could trigger a small wind slab at higher elevations in very steep or confined features. While these avalanches will likely be small, consider the high consequences of getting pushed off your feet in very steep terrain with cliffs and gullies. The new snow fell over various surfaces, including thick melt-freeze crusts, which may act as a good bed surface. Whether it is a wet or dry snow avalanche, this slippery bed surface may allow the slide to travel further than expected. Lower trailheads are melting out, and bare patches exist on some groomed trails, all signs that spring is near. But these recent late-season storms tend to bring complex and overlapping avalanche problems. You may experience dry snow and then a rapid transition to wet snow avalanche problems with even a brief period of sunshine. The rapidly changing weather often makes for a tricky avalanche forecast. Stay tuned to the changing snowpack conditions and look for signs of instability. Recent avalanches, rapidly melting snow surfaces, shooting cracks, or actively drifting snow are all signs of deteriorating snow stability. Monitor the snow as you travel and be prepared with options to travel on less consequential terrain with lower angle slopes if you find questionable snowpack conditions. 

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