Avalanche forecast

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Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

You can trigger small avalanches just below ridgelines in wind-drifted snow or a fast-running sluff on very steep slopes in sheltered terrain. Incoming stormy weather later in the week may reactivate avalanches that break down to deeper weak layers in the snowpack. 

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Dry

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

    You can trigger sluffs on very steep slopes that hold soft, loose snow.   Just below that soft snow, many slopes have a thin crust, a perfect sliding surface for loose, dry avalanches to run far on the right features.  Natural loose dry avalanches may release below rocky outcrops, especially those in the sun. 

    These generally small avalanches are only likely to be an issue near terrain traps like cliffs, trees, or anything else you wouldn't want to be pushed into or over.   

    (2/19/2026)

    A dry loose snow avalanche released into the gully of this slope. The skier moved off to the side of the fall line to avoid getting caught in the sluff.

    Photo: Payton Schiff

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Light snow showers and moderate ridgeline winds will continue to move snow along the higher peaks and more exposed terrain at mid-elevations. 

    Approach steep wind-loaded slopes, especially on the leeward side of ridges with caution.  Check how the recent snow is bonding to the old snow surface (commonly a thin surface crust buried on 3/8) by using small test slopes on similar aspects/elevations.  Use observational clues like blowing snow, firm textured snow surfaces, and shooting cracks extending from your boards, or machine to point you away from nearby slopes where you might trigger a wind slab avalanche.  Steer around steep rolls (like the one pictured) in wind-loaded terrain, or stick to wind-sheltered slopes. 

    (3/9/2026)

    Wind textured snow along the ridgeline to Cornice/Blue Lake Peaks. 

    Use caution near steep slopes directly below ridgelines with recent signs of wind affect. 

    Photo: Payton Schiff

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1.5–2.5

    Continue to consider the consequences of a large avalanche, especially at mid- and upper-elevations. Areas further west in the zone, near Rainy and Easy Pass, could see enough new snow this week to re-activate the weak layer.  As more snow accumulates in the coming days, watch for new signs of instability. Widely breaking avalanches, propagating test results, and whumpfing collapses could all indicate that this dangerous problem is returning.  

    It's been over a week since the last confirmed persistent slab avalanche. While it may be difficult to trigger them at the moment, the weak structure exists in the upper snowpack. You can find weak layers above and adjacent to crusts 2-3 feet below the surface.  These layers will receive a fresh round of testing in the days ahead. 

    (2/26/2026)

    A number of large, natural avalanches on a leeward mid-slope feature. Note blowing snow. This likely ran on a weak layer above the 2/7 crust, ~2 feet below the surface. Cutthroat Lake. E-SE, 6,600ft

Avalanche Discussion

We're likely in for another day of light snow showers paired with light to moderate westerly winds along the higher peaks and ridgelines.  Professionals near Blue Lake reported up to 6" of recent snow (more recent snow was reported in other areas) above a thin but ski-supportable crust.  Wind transport was limited to near ridgelines.  Sluffs ran well above the crust on very steep slopes.  Snowpack tests on the 2/7 crust and facets did not yield any concerning results. While persistent slab avalanches have been less active as of late, weak layers in the snowpack continue to hold our attention. The 2/13 facets above the 2/7 crust can still be found on a variety of aspects and elevations. Other, small avalanches have been more obvious. On Friday, observers reported small wet loose avalanches in steep terrain in the hairpin valley. Skiers near Maple Pass triggered a small wind slab avalanche at 6400ft, E on a steep roll. 

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