Avalanche forecast

East Slopes South

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

A spring storm will create heightened avalanche conditions in wind-loaded terrain. Expect more dangerous avalanche conditions in areas that receive over 6 inches of new snow closer to the Cascade Crest. Simplify your terrain selection as you move into more exposed areas and actively look for signs of instability before riding on steeper slopes. Triggering wet avalanches will be possible near or below the snow line. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    Avalanches will be easiest to trigger in wind-loaded terrain on Monday. Look for these slabs to be bigger and more reactive as you climb into windy, exposed terrain. Slabs will form over a variety of wet snow surfaces and crusts, so slab sensitivity may vary from slope to slope. You can use small test slopes or snowpack tests to help you pinpoint instability.

    These slabs will exist on the downwind sides of ridges, below cornices, or on steep convexities in exposed terrain. Watch for blowing snow, dunes, sharp cornices, and snow pillows. Wind slabs will often feel stiff or may even keep you on the surface in more exposed terrain. Pump the brakes if you notice shooting cracks under your feet or skis. 

    You can minimize your exposure by avoiding steep, wind loaded start zones. Blowing snow and poor visibility will make it harder to know exactly where you are and what's above you, so include wider safety margins or buffer zones in your travel plans on Tuesday. 

    Closer to the Cascade Crest, triggering storm slabs on steep slopes in more sheltered terrain will be possible if you find over 6-8 inches of new snow.  

    (3/21/2025)

    Signs of wind affected snow and potential wind slabs. 

    Photo: Dallas Glass

  • Loose Wet

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

    Near the snow line and below, keep wet avalanche concerns on your radar. Over the last 24 hours, we have seen nearly 1 inch of rain at elevations below the snow line. Without a sufficient refreeze, the snowpack may be wet and punchy in many areas, so pushing a wet avalanche could be easier than you think on steep, unsupported slopes. Predicting when and where you’ll trigger a wet avalanche is tricky. So the best mitigation strategy is avoidance, especially if you find yourself sinking past your boot-tops in wet, sloppy snow. 

    (3/21/2021)

    Wet loose avalanches often initiate where snow sheds off rocks and trees onto the slope below. Note that there are both small rollerballs and wet loose avalanches in this image. 

    Photo: Zack McGill - Cascade Mtn Ascents

Avalanche Discussion

Avalanche forecasting in the spring is complicated, especially during stormy periods like this. Observations tend to be more sparse and frequent temperature fluctuations can easily create overlapping avalanche problems. With fewer on-the-ground observations, there’s usually a higher degree of uncertainty in our avalanche forecast product. During these active periods, consider building in a wider safety margin to account for the unknowns. It's a good reason to dig around more and approach steep terrain with more suspicion and caution. 

If you get out, we would love to hear from you. Submit a snowpack, weather, or avalanche observation here. 

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