Bollettino valanghe

East Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Pericolo valanghe

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

In sintesi

Avalanches will be most likely in parts of the zone where several inches of new snow accumulated during this storm. This might only occur in higher-elevation terrain or in mountains near the Cascade Crest. Be leery of firmer wind drifted steep slopes, particularly in rocky complex areas. 

Problemi valanghivi

  • Wind Slabs

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

    It may not be snowing and blowing on Sunday, but strong winds accompanied Saturday’s precipitation. Firmer and thicker slabs likely formed near ridgelines, along exposed features, and near the base of cliffs. A dusting of fresh soft snow might hide some of the wind slab clues. Look for rime, drifts behind rocks, and sharp cornices to distinguish local wind patterns and anticipate which slopes may be scoured and which areas loaded. 

    Once you identify possible wind slabs, it can be hard to tell how easily they might trigger, especially if they are firm. You can try using small, low consequence slopes to see if they crack, but don’t be too confident if it doesn’t fail. Use wind stripped areas or lower angled slopes to slip around these fresh slabs.

    Example: Scoured slopes, sharp cornices, and fresh winds slabs at higher elevations from earlier this winter. 

    Photo: Payton Schiff

Avalanche Discussion

There’s quite a bit of uncertainty around Sunday’s weather forecast, but ultimately it probably won’t have much effect on the avalanche hazard. The East Central zone could see continued snow showers, cloudy skies, or significant sunshine. Or maybe all three. Additional snow may add a few inches to storm totals. However, winds should be relatively light, and the extra dusting won’t add much mass to any already formed wind slabs. 

If the sun comes out, you may see the new snow become wet and slide easily downhill. Like the wind slab problem, you’ll need enough new snow (4 inches or more) to pose a threat. Fresh rollerballs or small natural slides should pique your interest. Be careful on or under steep sunny slopes. 

As of Saturday afternoon, the storm isn’t over, but precipitation totals from around the area are not easy to decipher. Much of the zone (including the Wenatchees) seems to have received 0.2-0.4 inches of water and counting. However, weather stations show nearly no snow accumulation. That means snow levels are higher (>5500ft) for most of the area. By Sunday morning, it wouldn’t be surprising to find 4-6 inches of snow in some parts of the zone. 

This warm storm certainly didn’t help conditions. You may find wet punchy snow or a new crust formed over the past couple of days. The snowpack remains painfully thin. Some slopes at lower elevations and on southerly aspects are bare or patchy. Creeks are open, random holes abound, and many obstacles aren’t covered. Travel hazards easily rival or surpass avalanche risk in many spots. Give yourself extra time to manage these early season style conditions.

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