Bollettino valanghe

East Slopes South

Northwest Avalanche Center
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In sintesi

The calendar may say “January” but it sure feels like spring in the mountains. A solid freeze should help create generally safe avalanche conditions. However, watch for wet snow on steep sunny slopes especially around rocks and cliffs where you could trigger a small avalanche later in the day.

Problemi valanghivi

  • Loose Wet

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    1

    It will probably take a while for the sun and warm temperatures to soften the icy surface Sunday. This will help limit any avalanche danger to just a few isolated spots. You’re most likely to find wet snow on steep sunny slopes with rocks and cliffs where the snowpack is shallower. A quick way to check for loose wet avalanches is by using your boot. When you sink into wet snow past your ankle (4”) start anticipating loose wet avalanches on nearby slopes. While these slides should remain small and localized to just a few features, don’t let them catch you by surprise and push you into a terrain trap. Even a small avalanche can hurt you if it carries you over a cliff or buries you deeply in a gully.

    (1/16/2022)

    Example: You may trigger small avalanches like these near rocks and cliffs later in the day.  Hogback Mt. White Pass. 

    Photo: Public Observation

Avalanche Discussion

The snowpack has been through a lot in the past two weeks. It’s seen extended periods of above freezing temperatures, several rounds of rain, and at least two wet avalanche cycles. This created a generally strong and “spring-like” snowpack in many areas. So, while this weekend’s warm temperatures and sunshine should catch your attention, they likely won’t result in an increase in danger. Expect icy and often variable snow in the morning. Make sure you have the equipment and skills you need to navigate these potentially dangerous travel conditions. 

While observations from the East South zone have been sparse, professionals at nearby White Pass and Crystal Mt noted that only the top inch or two of the surface softened on Saturday. A long clear mid-winter night allowed the snow to freeze solid and in some places that surface crust is more than a foot thick. Further east in the zone, you will likely encounter a thin and variable snowpack, where, once the crust breaks down, you punch all the way through to the ground.

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