Bollettino valanghe

East Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Pericolo valanghe

Thu
Alta quota
2 · Moderato
Limite del bosco
2 · Moderato
Sotto il limite
2 · Moderato
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Non aggiornato — questo bollettino è scaduto 7 months ago. Stai vedendo condizioni passate, non il bollettino in corso.

In sintesi

Sun, warm temperatures, and a lack of freeze will maintain heightened avalanche danger. Large slabs of snow could fall off rocks and cliffs, and you may be able to trigger cornices and wet avalanches on sunny slopes. Don't linger on steep slopes with unsupportive wet snow or under snow-covered rock features.

Problemi valanghivi

  • Loose Wet

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

    If you sink into wet, unusupportive snow or see roller balls and avalanches increasing during the day, move to more shaded and lower-angle terrain. Don't linger under steep slopes, cornices, or rock slabs where large avalanches could come down from above.

    While the initial wet avalanche cycle ended, activity could increase again on Wednesday. It could be easiest to trigger avalanches in areas of shallow snow, like the eastern half of the zone. If you're braving the challenging travel, be ready to assess the surfaces as the day progresses. 

    (1/13/2026)

    Multiple avalanches (up to size D2) just outside the Stevens Pass Ski Area boundary above Lake Susan Jane. These likely occurred between the night of the 11th and the morning of the 13th. Some may have initiated due to glide or cornice releases. Lumiere Ridge, NE, 5,200-5,600ftWL-N-D2-O

    Photo: Josh Hirshberg

Avalanche Discussion

Avalanche Fatality: On Friday, January 9th, four backcountry skiers were caught and carried by a large avalanche while descending near Longs Pass in the Teanaway River drainage. The slide occurred on an S to SE facing slope at approximately 6200ft. One member of the party was not buried. Another teammate was partially buried but injured. The other two individuals were fully buried. During the initial rescue, the team located one of the buried victims, who did not survive. Despite the group's best efforts, they could not pinpoint the fourth member of their team. The party contacted 911 via a satellite device, and Kittitas County Search and Rescue responded to the area on Friday evening. Additional rescue efforts were postponed until daylight. Search and Rescue then returned to the site on Saturday and were joined by NWAC forecasters. The teams were able to locate the remaining victim. Unfortunately, neither of the fully buried skier survived. Our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and community of those involved in this avalanche accident. S-SE aspect, 6200ft, Avg Depth 2ft, HS-AS-R3-D2.5-O

Forecast Discussion:

About 1.4" of rain was recorded at Stevens Pass since the 11th. In the Wenatchee Mountains, much less rain fell, with just enough to wet the upper snowpack. Observers and NWAC forecasters reported a widespread natural wet avalanche cycle. Most avalanches were large, and some ran long distances, gouging through much of the recent storm snow. Avalanche activity continued that night with more size D1.5-D2 wet loose and glide avalanches occurring.

The lack of freeze, sun, and warm temperatures raise concern for deeper and ongoing wet avalanches. Cornices could fall. Wet slabs are tricky to forecast and very unpredictable. If they occur at all, the tipping point may be continued warming and sun on Wednesday. 

Despite a healthy dose of snow the first week of the first week of the year, conditions remain thin, particularly at lower elevations and east of Hwy 97. In addition to the travel challenges this brings, even small avalanches in these locations can take you for a rough, nasty ride.

Regioni coperte