Avalanche forecast

East Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 8 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

We're in the midst of a multiday storm pattern. Strong winds formed thick, unstable slabs of snow where you could easily trigger a large avalanche that fails on a slick crust. Steep, wind-drifted terrain below ridgelines or exposed alpine bowls are the likely places to trigger one of these slabs. Choose low-angle terrain in areas with deep wind-drifted snow or seek out wind-sheltered terrain for recreation. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    By traveling on steep wind-loaded terrain, you could easily trigger a large avalanche that fails on slick crusts. Cracks that shoot out in front of you, recent avalanches, or actively blowing snow are signs of instability. To reduce your risk, avoid steep terrain beneath corniced ridgelines, the base of cliffs, and exposed alpine bowls. Low-angle routes, wind-scoured slopes, or sheltered terrain provide safer travel options. Avalanches may be larger in areas closer to the Cascade Crest. 

    This welcome return to winter also brings more widespread avalanche concerns. Ski patrol at Mission Ridge reported sensitive avalanches that slid on a stout ice crust from the multiple Mid-December atmospheric river events. Watch for storm slab instabilities in sheltered terrain, and if you're uncertain, default to lower-angle slopes.

    Snow depths are still shallow for this time of year. But this weather pattern is quickly changing that, and we'll see increased avalanche activity at lower elevations moving forward. While we expect avalanches at these elevations to be smaller, they could take you for a nasty ride over rocks, stumps, and other obstacles. 

    (4/8/2025)

    Example of textured wind-drifts along a ridgeline from a previous season. Avoid steep slopes with similar drifts. 

    Photo: Katie Warren

Avalanche Discussion

Thursday's storm favored the east slopes of the Cascades. Mission Ridge picked up about 12" of snow at the summit. Areas closer to the Cascade Crest may have picked up 2' at mid and upper elevations. However, warmer temperatures could have reduced those totals more than the colder, eastern and northern regions. 

The last few days have been dominated by colder, stormier weather with significant winds. We have extremely limited snowpack data due to difficult access. But we do know the recent snow fell on bare ground or slick crusts. This creates significant uncertainty about the bond to the underlying crust and low overall forecast confidence. To mitigate this increased uncertainty, make frequent observations using quick hand-pit tests and take extra time before entering larger or more complex terrain. 

We are still assessing the widespread damage from the recent flooding and windstorms. Be prepared to be turned around due to road closures, washouts, mudslides, or downed trees. When you do make it to continuous snow, watch for shallowly buried rocks, trees, and high-flowing creeks. 

The weather over the past few weeks has been extraordinary, with torrential rains, extreme winds, flooding, and landslides. Many communities are dealing with damage to homes, infrastructure, and businesses, stretching resources thin. These events have limited access to the mountains for all of us. State and local resources are working diligently to reduce the worst of these impacts. We can help by being respectful of local communities, obeying road closures, and heeding ski area uphill travel policies.

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