Avalanche forecast

East Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
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Highlights

Current conditions in East Central are widely variable. If you travel to the upper elevations, particularly further north or west in the zone, you could easily trigger large avalanches in wind-drifted snow. Mid-elevations may be more prone to small wet avalanches. Avoid steep slopes where you see blowing snow or deep drifts. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Very Likely
    Size
    1–2

    Above 5500ft, you could easily trigger large avalanches in steep wind-loaded terrain. Cracks that shoot out in front of you, or actively blowing snow, are all signs of instability, prompting you to choose low-angle slopes. The best risk-reduction strategy is to avoid steep terrain beneath corniced ridgelines and steep wind-exposed slopes. With limited snow depths, it is likely challenging to find wind-sheltered terrain for recreation. So, make sure you have lower-angle routes planned if you're seeking recreation in alpine terrain. Ridgelines and wind-scoured slopes often make for safer travel options. 

    We have extremely limited information about the snowpack in upper elevation terrain. But the last 48 hours have seen significant precipitation, very strong winds, and colder temperatures. It's possible 2-3' of snow rests over a slick melt freeze crust from the atmospheric river. Travel with extra safety margins, make diligent observations, and step into new terrain slowly to account for the increased uncertainty. 

    (4/8/2025)

    Example of textured wind-drifts along a ridgeline from a previous season. Avoid steep slopes with similar drifts. 

    Photo: Katie Warren

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    Temperatures won't be as excessively warm as last week, but rain will likely move into the mid-elevation band. Across most of the zone, these have little snow depth for avalanches. But areas closer to the Cascade Crest or the northern end of the zone received significantly more snow, and small wet avalanches may occur as rain impacts the recent dry snow. If it's raining on dry snow or you begin to see rollarballs, consider moving to lower-angle terrain. Even small avalanches can have high consequences in steep terrain with many exposed obstacles to get dragged through. 

    (3/23/2025)

    Rollerballs like this are the first indication of wet snow avalanches. 

    Photo: Payton Schiff

Avalanche Discussion

While snow levels will fluctuate during the next round of precipitation, they will quickly return to snow by Friday.  So, rest assured, we'll still be rebuilding our snowpack at most elevations. 

Areas likely to have more dangerous avalanche conditions are farther north, near Holden, and along the Cascade Crest.  The Lyman Lake Snotel recorded over 30" of snow, and Fish Lake picked up over 3" of water in the last 48 hrs. If you're traveling in these areas, it is worth reviewing the forecasts for our west side and Cascade Pass zones. More modest precipitation amounts further east likely resulted in 12-18" of snow at upper elevations. 

We have extremely limited snowpack data due to difficult access. We know that, in general, continuous snow cover was around 6000 ft before this storm, and the recent snow fell on bare ground or slick crusts. Expect worsening avalanche conditions as you climb in elevation and give yourself a wider margin of safety around large, steep slopes to account for increased uncertainty. 

We are still assessing the widespread damage from the recent flooding and windstorms. Be prepared to be turned around due to road closures, washouts, mudslides, or downed trees. When you do make it to continuous snow, watch for shallowly buried rocks, trees, and high-flowing creeks. 

The weather over the past few weeks has been extraordinary, with torrential rains, extreme winds, flooding, and landslides. Many communities are dealing with damage to homes, infrastructure, and businesses, stretching resources thin. These events have limited access to the mountains for all of us. State and local resources are working diligently to reduce the worst of these impacts. We can help by being respectful of local communities, obeying road closures, and heeding ski area uphill travel policies.

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