East Slopes South

The likelihood of small wet snow avalanches and larger chunks of overhanging snow falling down is low, but this doesn't make the backcountry inherently safe. As low snow coverage and spring-like weather push you into higher and more extreme terrain, consider the consequences of anything falling down off the mountain, including yourself, and be prepared accordingly. Lower elevations lack sufficient snow coverage for avalanche hazard to exist.

A cooling trend is making its way slowly into the region, but not before another round of warm overnight temperatures Friday night and a quick bout of rain on Saturday. Expect this period of light precipitation to happen in the mid to late morning hours. Despite this weather, the likelihood of avalanches remains low. Recent observations from nearby zones show a lack of avalanche activity due to the very robust 3/25 crust that caps the snowpack in most locations. That being said, monitor surface conditions as you move around. If you're sinking deeply past your boot tops, consider it time to move to lower-angle terrain. Limit your exposure to overhead hazards such as cornices or rock slabs that could still shed snow as well.

Avalanche hazard may be low, but as many of us push into more extreme terrain to tick off bigger objectives this time of year, our vulnerability to avalanches and other general mountain hazards increases. You spend a lot of time in hazardous terrain, for example, when booting up a steep couloir. A massive chunk of cornice or rock falling down from above, or even a slip and fall into a rock field below, could flip your day upside down in an instant. Anywhere in the backcountry is an uncontrolled, remote environment, so no matter the avalanche conditions, be prepared with good terrain management techniques and the correct equipment for a day out in consequential terrain.

It likely comes as no surprise that coverage is a major issue, particularly on southerly slopes. You might find yourself walking on bare ground in search of snow at higher elevations. Expect a plethora of shallowly buried objects, high-flowing creeks, and difficult access. As the WA Cascades are still recovering from the epic December 2025 atmospheric river events, roads can be washed out or blocked by downed trees. Plan extra time into your day accordingly.

It feels less like April and more like June out there, but we could be in for significant snowfall next week. Although this is unlikely to totally turn around this fast track towards summer we're on, it does mean that avalanche conditions could be completely different from what they are right now. Be sure to tune back into the forecast if you plan to score one more pow day this season.

The prolonged warm spell in March decimated the already struggling East South snowpack. Below 5,000 ft, snow coverage is too limited for avalanche danger at this time—so we’re issuing a No Rating for lower elevations. You can still find rideable snow at middle and upper elevations.

Are you heading out into the mountains?  Let us know what you see by submitting an observation here or on the AvyApp.