Bollettino valanghe

East Slopes South

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Pericolo valanghe

Sat
Alta quota
2 · Moderato
Limite del bosco
1 · Debole
Sotto il limite
1 · Debole
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Non aggiornato — questo bollettino è scaduto 5 years ago. Stai vedendo condizioni passate, non il bollettino in corso.

In sintesi

You may be able to trigger avalanches in wind drifted snow at upper elevations, particularly in areas further west in the zone that received more snow. Approach ridges slowly and assess wind-drifted snow carefully before committing to steep terrain. If clear skies develop, slopes in the direct sun could produce wet snow avalanches. 

Problemi valanghivi

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alta quota
    • Limite del bosco
    • Sotto il limite del bosco
    Probabilità
    Possible
    Dimensione
    1–1.5

    Much of the available snow from windward aspects have already been scoured by the winds, and without significant snow in the forecast, new wind slab development will likely be minimal. However, you may be able to trigger lingering winds slabs in alpine terrain. While these are most likely a problem on E aspects, terrain features can heavily influence wind direction, and you may find stiff wind drifted slabs on all aspects. These avalanches could fail on the icy (and potentially weak) old snow surface buried on January 30th or within new and wind drifted snow. Steer around large open slopes below cornices, cliff bands, and ridgelines with evidence of fresh wind loading. Look and feel for changes in snow surface texture and hardness. You may find windward slopes scoured to the old icy surface and leeward slopes drifted in with chalky snow. Use these visual clues along with blowing snow as the most straightforward tools to identify slopes with fresh wind slabs. If you experience cracking or see recent avalanches, choose lower angled terrain sheltered from the wind.

    (2/1/2022)

    Example of bllowing snow and wind loading near treeline in the nearby Snoqualmie Pass Zone.

    Photo: Dallas Glass

  • Loose Wet

    • Alta quota
    • Limite del bosco
    • Sotto il limite del bosco
    Probabilità
    Possible
    Dimensione
    1–1.5

    Mild overnight temperatures and the potential for the sun to break through mid-day may increase the potential for wet loose avalanches on southern aspects. Dry snow is particularly susceptible to warming, and danger may increase quickly. Rollerballs or small test slopes where snow gains momentum and entrains additional snow as it flows downhill are good indications that wet loose avalanches are possible. Also, be cautious of traveling above rocks, cliffs, creeks, or other obstacles that can increase the consequences of getting caught.

Avalanche Discussion

Observations are limited in the East South zone, but observations from neighboring zones show a generally good bond between the new snow and the old crusts. However, weak snow may exist in some isolated areas above or below the old crust and could produce surprising avalanches. The old snow surface will be easy to find, so gather information as you travel. Build in a wide margin for error and move to lower angle terrain if you experience shooting cracks, collapses, or see recent avalanches break widely across terrain features. The Late January Crust may even be exposed or shallowly buried in some areas, especially in windward terrain (S and W aspects), and below treeline where less snow accumulated. In these slippery areas, anticipate lingering travel hazards.Before the storm this week, conditions in January were unseasonably warm, and the snowpack endured a beating. There was a significant loss in overall snow height, and many ridgelines, south aspects, and low elevation slopes melted out to bare ground. Several creeks also reopened during the warm weather, and many snow bridges fractured or collapsed. Shallowly buried obstacles are additional hazards to deal with hidden beneath the new snow. 

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