Bollettino valanghe

East Slopes North

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Pericolo valanghe

Sun
Alta quota
2 · Moderato
Limite del bosco
2 · Moderato
Sotto il limite
1 · Debole
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Non aggiornato — questo bollettino è scaduto 8 months ago. Stai vedendo condizioni passate, non il bollettino in corso.

In sintesi

You can trigger avalanches where gusty winds build stiff drifted slabs. Actively blowing snow, shooting cracks, and recent avalanches are signs of the danger. Steer around steep slopes below ridgelines, confined gullies, and the base of cliffs where these drifts are most likely to form.

Problemi valanghivi

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alta quota
    • Limite del bosco
    • Sotto il limite del bosco
    Probabilità
    Possible
    Dimensione
    1–2

    Actively blowing snow and cornices are a great way to identify wind-loaded slopes. The most suspect terrain will be steep slopes below ridgelines, confined rocky gullies, and the base of cliffs. As you travel higher into the terrain, wind slabs will be larger and easier to trigger. If you see natural avalanches, long shooting cracks, or the snow feels hollow, you should head towards low-angle slopes or wind-sheltered terrain. 

    Winds formed slabs late on Friday and will taper on Saturday. If you don't see blowing snow, look for evidence of fresh slabs and drifts. The gusty nature of the winds may keep new slabs confined to the upper elevations or just below ridges. 

    (12/23/2025)

    You're likely to find wind-textured snow (like in this photo) further downslope vs just near ridgelines on Thursday.    

    Photo: Drew Lovell

Avalanche Discussion

Expect another couple of inches of snow with clearing, cold temperatures, and light to moderate winds on Saturday. You may see a few small, loose avalanches on steep slopes, especially in sun-exposed terrain. On Friday, observers reported 3-4" of new snow with plenty of "cold smoke" available for wind transport at middle and upper elevations. They reported some blowing snow at upper elevations. 

Backcountry travelers reported extensive wind-affected snow in the Upper Chewuch and Twisp River drainages throughout the week. Wind slab and storm slab avalanches were reported from Wednesday and Thursday on both leeward slopes and in more wind-sheltered terrain. On the 24th, observers also reported a freezing-rain crust below 4700ft, which is now buried by recent snow.

Following severe weather earlier in the month, access to Washington Pass and Highway 20 west of Early Winters is currently closed due to mudslides and road crews working in the area. With limited access to the mountains, we have less information about the snowpack than usual. Travel with extra safety margins, make your own observations, and ease into new terrain slowly to account for the uncertainty. Make frequent observations using quick hand-pit tests and take extra time to assess before entering larger terrain.  

State and local resources are working diligently to reduce the impacts of destructive storms that occurred earlier this month. We can help by respecting affected communities, complying with road closures, and adhering to ski area uphill travel policies.

Regioni coperte