Bollettino valanghe

East Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Pericolo valanghe

Fri
Alta quota
2 · Moderato
Limite del bosco
2 · Moderato
Sotto il limite
2 · Moderato
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In sintesi

With only slightly cooler temperatures in the forecast, it will remain possible to trigger avalanches in wet snow, especially on sun-exposed terrain. Consider sticking to low-angle slopes if you are sinking deeply into wet, unconsolidated snow. It may be best to travel on southern aspects in the cooler morning hours. Be prepared for difficult travel conditions ranging from heavy wet snow, breakable crusts, and icy surfaces. 

Problemi valanghivi

  • Loose Wet

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

    While areas near the Cascade Crest may hold onto some snow showers, most of the East South zone can expect sunny skies and gradually cooling temperatures. Unfortunately, cloud cover overnight may prevent a solid re-freeze of the currently saturated snowpack. Therefore you may still be able to trigger a wet loose avalanche in isolated steep terrain. Sunny slopes will be particularly susceptible to daytime warming. At upper elevations, shaded slopes will likely remain frozen. But sunny alpine terrain will soften, and you could trigger avalanches in the wet snow. And at the highest elevations, any dry storm snow will quickly become wet and slide easily with sun exposure. Therefore, it may be best to travel on southern slopes earlier in the day. There is some uncertainty about conditions, as we are just on the tail end of a warm, wet storm, and access to many areas is still challenging. So make sure to observe the snow surface as you travel. If you are sinking deeply into wet, heavy snow, it might be best to dial back terrain choices to low-angle slopes. You can also use small steep test slopes to see if you can get the snow to move downhill. If the snow slides easily, then wet loose avalanches are possible. But if you encounter frozen surfaces, avalanches will be unlikely. Cautious travel will be crucial in very steep or rugged terrain as even small avalanches can have high consequences if you are carried into obstacles.  

    (1/25/2022) Prolonged sun exposure will make wet loose avalanches like these possible in steep terrain on Thursday. Photo: Katie Warren

Avalanche Discussion

Mild temperatures will make backcountry travel at low and mid-elevations deep and soggy. Cooling temperatures may create additional travel challenges with slick frozen surfaces or breakable crusts. There is also plenty of large piles of avalanche debris to navigate. Consequently, make sure you prepare for difficult travel on various uninspiring surfaces. 

We don't have much information from upper elevations, but you may find dry storm snow if you travel to alpines zones at the highest elevations. Most precipitation occurred with snow levels near 7000ft before cooling slightly. Consequently, storm snow depths are likely minimal. But if you find yourself in dry snow over 6 inches deep, use hand pits to investigate how well the new storm snow is bonded to underlying surfaces and look for signs of instability. If you see shooting cracks or feel the snowpack collapse under your weight, you should stick to lower angle slopes. 

Avalanches will be unlikely in areas such as Mission Ridge and Blewett Pass with a very shallow snowpack. For more information on how our current snowpack compares to seasonal averages, check out the monthly Climatological Snow Depth Report. 

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