Avalanche forecast

East Slopes North

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 months ago.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 avalanches on steep slopes where you find 3" or more of new snow, especially where the wind forms fresh drifts. Watch for actively blowing snow near ridges and at the base of cliffs as a sign of the danger. Steer around fresh pillows of drifted snow on slopes over 35 degrees.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    The East North zone will receive just enough new snow and wind to build shallow slabs of snow by Thursday afternoon. 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.

    Watch for blowing snow to indicate where you can trigger avalanches. The East North zone could receive 3-4" of snow on Wednesday night into Thursday. Westerly winds could gust up to 30mph. 

    (2/18/2026)

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

    Photo: NCH

Avalanche Discussion

In addition to wind slab avalanches, be alert to triggering small loose dry avalanches in wind-sheltered terrain. Both the new snow falling on old weak snow surfaces and a chance for sun could be contributing factors. If you see the sun shining on slopes that have accumulated new snow, you could encounter some small loose avalanches. Cold temperatures have weakened the old snow, especially on shady northerly aspects at middle and upper elevations. As the new snow accumulates, avalanches could be easy to trigger. 

On the 29th, a skier triggered a small wind slab avalanche on Silverstar Mountain at 7,200ft on a northeast aspect. The new snow will fall 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 on, or just below, the surface.

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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