East Slopes South

A decent overnight refreeze may limit avalanche activity early in the day, but the risk of very isolated small wet snow avalanches and chunks of snow falling off rocks and cliffs may increase as the day progresses. As low snow coverage and spring-like weather push you into higher and more committing terrain, consider the consequences of anything falling down off the mountain.

The anticipated cooling trend will be slow to initiate on the east side of the Cascades. However, partial clearing Saturday night should help snow surfaces refreeze. Increasing cloud cover should mitigate the influence of the April sun, but rainfall in the afternoon will add water to the snowpack. If heavier spring rain showers materialize, they can contribute a subtle increase to the the lingering wet avalanche and spring hazard risks. Consider building in a bit more buffer between yourself and more extreme terrain during and after heavier spring rain showers. Above 6,500 ft, these showers could bring some wet, sticky snow. We don't anticipate this will be enough to create a fresh hazard, but moist slabs may materialize if the shallow new snow warms up, or you could find some isolated very shallow wind slabs near the highest ridglelines.

Recent observations from nearby zones show a lack of avalanche activity due to the previously very robust 3/25 crust. This crust was reportedly weakening just to our west at Crystal Mountain. Patches of snow on a NE slope at upper elevations near Mission Ridge exhibited some slab reactivity above a crust. This snow structure may or may not exist in the East South zone, but if you head up high on north-facing slope, it might be worth digging down to the first major crust and checking the bond. In most terrain your concern should be focused on areas where you're sinking deeply past your boot tops. Once this occurs, it's time to move to lower-angle terrain. Limit your exposure to overhead hazards such as cornices or rock slabs that could still shed snow as well. 

Avalanche hazard may be low, but limited snow coverage encourages us towards bigger objectives this time of year. This  vulnerability to avalanches and other general mountain hazards increases in this terrain. Cornices might linger above you on a steep couloir that acts as a funnel for cornice chunks or falling rocks as the snow melts out. A sliding fall on a frozen slope with exposed rocks below can be serious. Continue to use travel techniques that minimize your hazards on the slopes above you, and come preparted with the tools and techniques to manage the risks in your terrain. 

The snow coverage woes in the East South continue to increase as the snow melts back, particularly on southerly slopes. You might find yourself walking on bare ground in search of snow at higher elevations. Expect a plethora of shallowly buried objects, high-flowing creeks, and difficult access. Pictures from the Crystal Mountain area in the gallery give you a good picture. As the WA Cascades are still recovering from the epic December 2025 atmospheric river events, roads can be washed out or blocked by downed trees. Plan extra time into your day accordingly.

It feels less like April and more like June out there, but a late season storm is likely to bring some accumulating snowfall Tuesday and Wednesday of this coming week. Be sure to tune back into the forecast if you plan to recreate around this time-frame.

The prolonged warm spell in March decimated the already struggling East South snowpack. Below 5,000 ft, snow coverage is too limited for avalanche danger at this time—so we’re issuing a No Rating for lower elevations. You can still find rideable snow at middle and upper elevations.

Are you heading out into the mountains?  Let us know what you see by submitting an observation here or on the AvyApp.