Bollettino valanghe

East Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Pericolo valanghe

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

In sintesi

Avalanches will become easier to trigger as the day progresses, particularly in wind-loaded terrain. Don’t overlook obvious signs that conditions are becoming dangerous, such as rapid wind loading and heavy snowfall. Tuesday will be a good day to simplify your terrain, especially as it starts snowing and blowing.

Problemi valanghivi

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Increasing wind speeds and intensifying precipitation with slight warming will be the perfect recipe for reactive wind slabs across upper and exposed middle elevations in the zone. Precipitation will ramp up as the day progresses, so expect the slab depths to increase through the day. In typical, East Central fashion expect more dangerous conditions where more snow falls closer to the Cascade Crest. 

    Tuesday will be a good day to start stepping back with terrain selection. Strong west W/SW winds will easily transport recent accumulations and make it feel quite stormy in the wind zone. Don’t overthink these obvious clues of wind loading. Blowing snow and wind-textured surfaces should help you identify which slopes are loading up and which are dangerous. Steer around steep leeward slopes that often collect wind-deposited snow, such as the downwind sides of ridges & cornices, at the base of cliffs, or on mid-slope convexities in the open areas. Cracks shooting out from your feet or machine are obvious signs that you found an unstable wind slab.

    (12/13/2024)

    Blowing snow and firm pillow-like drifts are great clues to anticipate wind load slopes. 

    Photo: ONP Rangers

Avalanche Discussion

Tuesday is shaping up to be a stormy day as strong wind speeds drift available soft snow, and precipitation rates intensify. With this combination, expect the avalanche danger to rise as the day progresses, particularly as you climb or ride into wind-exposed terrain. There will be some modest warming with this system, so it may be possible to trigger avalanches in more sheltered, open terrain in the western parts of the zone by afternoon.

The East Central has around 3-10 inches of recent accumulation over a melt freeze crust that was buried on January 2nd. Most observations from Icicle Creek, Mission Ridge, and Scatter Peaks indicate a strong mid- to lower-snowpack beneath the recently buried crust. Above this crust, observers have reported mixed results with stability tests, with minor surface instabilities observed in wind-drifted snow. 

While the lower/mid snowpack is generally strong due to recent warm temperatures, we’re still filling in the gaps at upper elevations and in more remote parts of the zone. If you find yourself in higher terrain or more far-flung areas further north, consider reading the East North forecast and dig down to look for weak layers that could exist 1-2 feet below the snow surface. 

The snowpack remains thin for early January. Many avalanche paths are littered with rocks, creeks, and early-season terrain depressions. In choosing terrain to ride, consider the consequence of a slide- if one happens, where will it take you? Look for slopes with a clean run-out free of bone-breaking trees, creeks, and rocks. 

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