Avalanche forecast

East Slopes South

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Avalanche hazard only exists where new snow recently accumulated primarily on the western side of the zone. Some previously wind deposited snow could still be unstable on exposed, downwind slopes, and wet snow avalanches could start to appear when the sun comes out. Avalanches will be small, but the consequences of being carried downhill are big if you hit one of many exposed hazards.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    This problem is trending toward unlikely and is confined to areas closer to the Cascade Crest. As you gain elevation and begin to enter the alpine, start thinking about whether this problem might lurk in wind exposed terrain. Most likely places are just below ridgelines and within cross loaded gullies. Scoured surfaces on one side of a ridgeline and small cornices on the other will clue you into which direction the wind previously blew. You probably won't see clear red flags of cracking or recent avalanches. If you don't like the perceived consequences of being carried down a particular slope in a small slide, find wind sheltered terrain to descend instead.

    (2/8/2026)

    Scoured slopes, rime on the surface, and drifts behind the rocks all show signs of wind loading on nearby slopes.

    Photo: Payton Schiff

  • Loose Wet

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

    If you're out in full sun, then turn this problem on in your brain. Direct sunshine can destabilize recent dry snow, and there is enough of it at upper elevations that a slide could grow large enough to catch and carry you. Fresh rollerballs and chunks of snow falling from cliffs and rocks are your first indication that the snowpack is warming. This problem will be held at bay if high clouds move into the region, but don't be caught off guard by thinking it is cloudy everywhere if you start your day at the trailhead in overcast conditions. It will likely end up being sunny higher up.

    (12/24/2025)

    Natural roller balls falling off cliffs indicate a warming and weakening snowpack.

    Photo: Payton Schiff

Avalanche Discussion

Snow accumulated above 5000-5500 ft in nearby zones over the weekend. The White Pass Pro Patrol reported about 6 inches above 6000 ft, as did an NWAC Forecaster traveling in the East Central zone on Sunday. East South weather stations reported another 0.1-0.2 inches of precipitation on Monday, as well as an increase in wind speeds. There could have been some additional wind transport, but it's unlikely that wind slabs grew much bigger or more reactive. These slabs rest over the 02/07, which presents as a crust in most places and can be quite slick at times.

There are a lot of exposed hazards in the terrain that you don't normally see at this point in the winter. These include rocks, open creeks, and downed logs. You'd be in for a painful ride if you were to be carried in a small avalanche over any of these, so take a good look at the slope you plan to descend before dropping in. Additionally, low elevation terrain, southerly slopes at any elevation, and all terrain east of Darland Mountain have painfully thin coverage. Where there’s snow, it may be wet and mushy, icy, or have breakable crusts. This creates its own host of travel hazards. Give yourself extra time and precaution to manage these “early season” conditions.

Observations from this zone would be very valuable — please share what you’re seeing if you're getting out.

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