Bollettino valanghe

East Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Pericolo valanghe

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

Another warm, sunny day is forecasted for Saturday and you could still trigger wet avalanches on steep slopes. If you feel the snow becoming wet and heavy, move to lower angle terrain. Also, avoid lingering beneath overhung cornices or steep rocks still holding snow. 

Problemi valanghivi

  • Loose Wet

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

    Once surface crusts melt, directly sun-exposed slopes on southeast through southwest aspects could be wet and unsupportive.  Wet avalanches will be possible on more shaded terrain. Move to lower-angle slopes if you see rollerballs or fresh avalanches. Be aware of avalanches coming from overhead terrain. They may run naturally from above. 

    Consider the consequences of a large glide avalanche or cornice fall. While these may be less likely, the consequences could be severe. Avoid lingering underneath glide cracks, cliffs, or overhung cornices. These overhead hazards run naturally and could trigger an avalanche on slopes below.

    (2/24/2025)

    Loose wet avalanche (D1) in Tumwater Canyon

    Photo: Josh Hirshberg

Avalanche Discussion

Preliminary Report: On Friday, February 28, three snowmobilers were riding near Harts Pass in the East North zone when they triggered a large slab avalanche. Two riders were caught and carried. One rider was fully buried and killed. The other was partially buried and injured. NWAC is working with local avalanche professionals to conduct an investigation. Our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and community. (NE, 6,800ft HS-AM-D2.5-R4-O)

As the warm weather continues, expect a range of conditions throughout the zone. Conditions will be more dangerous near the Cascade Crest and in the northwest corner of the zone. These areas received more snow last week compared to the central and eastern portions of the zone. If you're going to these areas, check out neighboring forecasts in the Snoqualmie Pass, Stevens Pass, and East North zones. We expect that with warmer temperatures, surface crusts will break down quickly. Plan your day so you can move off of and out from under steep sunny terrain by early afternoon. 

On Tuesday, the East Central Zone picked up between 5 and 10 inches of snow above 4000ft, with higher snow totals closer to the Cascade Crest. Strong to extreme winds accompanied this storm, and Mission Ridge Summit Weather Station recorded gusts to 115mph. Moving into Wednesday, recently formed wind and storm slabs were stubborn, but you may find lingering instabilities in very steep, unsupported alpine terrain. Make frequent assessments and consider the consequences of triggering even a small avalanche in this type of terrain. 

Tuesday's snow and wind created sensitive wind and storm slabs throughout the area. A large natural wind slab in the Icicle Creek Drainage released in a wet snow layer below the recent snow. In this heavily wind-loaded area the avalanche was 2-3 feet deep. At Mission Ridge Ski Area, ski patrol reported sensitive 6-8inch, widely propagating avalanches during avalanche mitigation work. Over the weekend, a widespread wet, loose avalanche cycle occurred on Blewett Pass, closing the highway for a few hours on Sunday. A similar cycle occurred, closing Tumwater Canyon on Monday. On the 23rd, observers from the Holden area reported widespread natural slab and wet loose avalanches. Some were very large and may have run on the January Drought layer.

We suspect that after this big warm-up, with rain to over 6600ft, those deeper, weak layers may no longer be an issue for avalanches. But if you're traveling to more obscure places in the zone or at elevations above the rain/snow line (approximately 7000ft), this layering should still factor into your uncertainty and travel decisions. 

Submit an observation to help NWAC Forecasters reduce uncertainty. It can be short, simple, and even anonymous. 

Regioni coperte