Avalanche forecast

East Slopes North

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

You could trigger small avalanches on steep slopes where you find 3" or more of recent snow, especially where the wind has formed fresh drifts. Steer around fresh pillows of drifted snow on slopes over 35 degrees. If you find weak, wet snow that slides easily on sunny slopes, move to lower-angle or shadier terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    On Thursday, westerly winds formed shallow slabs and were strong enough to transport old snow. Stiffer surfaces or cracks that shoot through the snow are signs of the danger. Watch for small drifts on leeward slopes, immediately below ridges and cliffs, or in cross-loaded gullies. Steer around convex roll-overs and shallow pillows of drifted snow on steep slopes.

    (2/18/2026)

    An example of a shallow wind slab avalanche on Silver Star Mtn, middle elevation, N-NE

    Photo: NCH

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    On Friday, the skies will clear, and the sun will quickly melt the recent snow. Avalanches will be easy to trigger on underlying slick crusts. While loose avalanches will be shallow and predictable, they could pick up significant debris and still be dangerous if they catch you off guard. Use small test slopes to see how easily the snow slides before committing to bigger terrain. Use caution near terrain traps, where an avalanche could push you into rocks, trees, or gullies. Travel one at a time and stop out from under steep slopes where others are traveling.

    (3/18/2026)

    Loose wet avalanches on Vasiliki Tower/Burgundy. 

    Photo: Marissa Popp

Avalanche Discussion

On the 2nd, WSDOT forecasters reported 3" of new snow, blowing snow, and isolated shooting cracks. Observers are still finding dry snow, especially on shaded, northerly aspects above 5,000ft. The recent snow fell on a variety of surfaces.  In sheltered areas at mid and upper elevations, there's 6-10" of settled storm snow above the most recent crust.  In wind-exposed locations, the recent snow is heavily textured and drifted. On sunny slopes, slick crusts are just below the surface.

On the 29th, a skier triggered a small wind slab avalanche on Silverstar Mountain at 7,200ft on a northeast aspect. Snow cover is thin on southerly slopes and at low elevations. Be aware of exposed rocks and open creeks. WSDOT has begun plowing operations on Hwy 20 between Silver Star trailhead and Newhalem. The road will be closed to all traffic Monday through Thursday while workers and machinery are operating.

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