Bollettino valanghe

East Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Pericolo valanghe

Sat
Alta quota
2 · Moderato
Limite del bosco
3 · Marcato
Sotto il limite
3 · Marcato
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In sintesi

The warmest temperatures so far this winter, along with strong sun will increase the potential for dangerous wet avalanches on slopes steeper than 35 degrees. Move off of and out from under slopes before the snow becomes wet and weak. Avoid going on or under slopes with cornices or glide cracks.

Problemi valanghivi

  • Loose Wet

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

    Expect minimal refreeze, and for snow surfaces to quickly become wet and weak. Wet avalanches will first be active on northeast aspects and later on south, and then west aspects. Higher elevations may stay cooler with a breeze, and that's why the danger is rated as Moderate above treeline. Take note of what the snow surfaces are like. Do you punch through easily, or stay on top? You may find dramatically different conditions at different aspects or elevations and as the day progresses. Start early, and be ready to finish early or move off of slopes that are steeper than 35 degrees. If the snow is unsupportive and punchy, it is probably weak enough to entrain an avalanche.

    Aside from wet loose avalanches, the chance for wet slab avalanches will grow with each passing day being warmer than the last. These could be deep, large and destructive, and are most likely from very steep, rocky, and unsupported areas at mid and lower elevations at the moment. These may be especially possible where snow surfaces are unsupportable.

    (4/11/2021) Natural wet avalanches ran in very steep, east-facing terrain. Stevens Pass zone

Avalanche Discussion

Each day continues to be warmer than the last, and the warmest day so far this winter is on tap for Friday. With these very warm temperatures, meltwater is beginning to filter deeper into the snowpack. This is quickly changing our snowpack from a dry winter-like pack to a wet and mushy one. Higher elevations may stay cooler with the breezy conditions. Glide cracks are widening in steep terrain, and on Wednesday a large glide avalanche ran on a southeast-facing rock slab in the neighboring Stevens Pass zone. Cornices loom over some ridgelines and may begin to fall. Use extra caution to avoid being on or under any features with glide cracks and cornices. 

Earlier this week, very sustained winds drifted previously dry snow in alpine terrain, and formed windslab. On Wednesday, an observer on a north aspect at 6,000ft near Eightmile Lake reported finding weak, faceted snow under recent wind-drifted slabs. Numerous wet loose avalanches have been reported since Monday. Storm totals since the 7th are 10-18" near the Cascade Crest. Lower recent snow totals in eastern portions of the zone may limit the avalanche hazard in areas such as the Wenatchee Mountains.

Observations have become limited in the zone. We have less certainty about conditions due to limited information and more difficult access to terrain. If you're in the mountains, help us keep up with the quickly changing spring conditions by submitting an observation here. 

Daily avalanche forecasts will end on Sunday, April 18th.

During the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, continue to follow the latest guidance from local, state, and federal health officials. Avoid unnecessary risks that could impact first responders and stress medical resources.  Wear a mask when appropriate, practice social distancing, and consider recreating closer to home.

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