Bollettino valanghe

East Slopes South

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Pericolo valanghe

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

Triggering wet avalanches remains possible on any steep slope where you find wet, unsupportable snow under your feet or machine. Pay close attention to rollerballs peeling off steep features or recent wet avalanches as signs that the upper snowpack is wet and weak. Even a small wet avalanche could have big consequences if terrain traps such as trees, creeks, or rocks litter the run-out.

Problemi valanghivi

  • Loose Wet

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

    Many parts of the zone likely received light rainfall accumulations on Monday, so this wet avalanche problem may be more widespread than just your typical steep sun-exposed slopes.

    Head for less steep terrain if you notice yourself sinking past your boot-top in wet, mushy snow that resembles oatmeal. We have enough new snow over a crust that some wet loose avalanches could grow large in specific terrain. Don’t underestimate this problem, especially if there are terrain traps present, such as creeks, trees, or deep depressions in the run-out of the avalanche path.

    As warming temperatures persist, larger wet slab activity becomes increasingly more possible. We had enough recent avalanche activity during our last cycle that larger wet slabs releasing as the temperature climbs isn’t fully out of the question. While this seems unlikely given our snowpack structure, wet snow can be tricky to forecast.  Monitor overnight refreezes and water moving through the snowpack.

    (1/11/2026)

    Rollerballs like this are clear signs the snow surface is weakening. This is the kind of spot where you don't want to trigger a wet avalanche. The creek and exposed rocks could easily worsen the consequences of being caught. 

    Photo: Joe Dellaporta

Avalanche Discussion

The region is entering a warm and dry period for the foreseeable future. The snowpack may resemble something you’d see in April rather than January as freezing levels climb well above the upper elevation band. 

Unfortunately, the western and northern parts of the zone may have seen light rainfall on Monday. This likely led to some wet loose avalanche activity and decimated the good riding conditions we enjoyed this past week. If you’re far enough east or south, you could find dry snow on northern aspects. If that's the case, keep isolated instabilities within wind-drifted snow on your radar specicially in complex terrain. 

This past week brought 1-2 inches of snow water equvialnet to the East South mountains. This equates to 1-2 ft of recent snow over a crust that was buried on January 3rd. Prior to the warm-up on January 12th, the snowpack was generally strong with the exception of wind loaded terrain where we saw a few large avalanches break down to a crust 1-2 ft below the surface. We suspect these instabilities are largely a thing of the past and will be replaced with wet avalanche concerns as temperatures stay warm.  

Despite the new snow, the snowpack remains thin. In choosing terrain, consider the consequences of a slide. Look for slopes with a clean runout free of bone-breaking trees, creeks, and rocks.

Regioni coperte