Bollettino valanghe

East Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
Vedi sulla mappa

Pericolo valanghe

Wed
Alta quota
2 · Moderato
Limite del bosco
2 · Moderato
Sotto il limite
1 · Debole
Open full map
Non aggiornato — questo bollettino è scaduto 2 years ago. Stai vedendo condizioni passate, non il bollettino in corso.

In sintesi

Rounds of new snow continue to build slabs overlaying weak layers in the snowpack. These slabs will be more sensitive in wind-affected areas. Look for cracking and collapsing in new snow before stepping onto steep slopes.

Problemi valanghivi

  • Storm Slabs

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

    An additional few inches of new snow overnight on Tuesday will add to recent storm layers. New snow will initially have a poor bond to the recent snow beneath and it may be easy to trigger small sluffs of dry snow. In total, you will encounter 1-2 foot slabs of new and recent snow that overlay buried weak layers in the snowpack. You could trigger a large avalanche if a storm slab fails on one of these layers.

    Be on the lookout for indications that storm snow is unstable. In complex and exposed terrain, you may find deeper and denser slabs where the wind has transported snow. You will be more likely to trigger an avalanche in similar terrain. Shooting cracks, collapsing, and recent avalanches are signs of instability. Use hand shears and safe test slopes representative of the slope you plan to ski or sled to check the bond before you move into steeper terrain.

    (12/14/2024)

    A small slab of recent storm snow triggered recently in the East Central zone.

    Photo: Mike Rolfs

Avalanche Discussion

Halfway through December seems like just the right time for it to finally start feeling like a proper winter out there. And what would a proper winter on the east side be without some poor snowpack structure? The series of storms impacting the zone this week are putting the first true test of strength onto buried weak layers. The main layer of concern is near crust facets around the 12/7 melt-freeze crust that have been observed throughout the zone.

An observer reported natural wind slab avalanches near Gallagher Head Lake on Monday. This is a great example of where wind-affected snow may be found in more exposed terrain. If you plan to venture into similar terrain, assess the snowpack for an increase in density, as this often indicates an increase in sensitivity.

There will be a significant warming trend that will begin impacting the zone on Tuesday night. The exact timing of this is uncertain but when it happens, we will see rain on snow that will rapidly increase avalanche danger going into Wednesday. Check the forecast on Tuesday morning for a potential update on this.

The East Central zone still lacks enough of a snowpack at lower elevations for avalanche hazard to be increased. But be on the lookout for low tide hazards that may exist under very little snow and be obscured from view.

Help NWAC forecasters reduce uncertainty by submitting an observation!

Regioni coperte