Avalanche forecast

East Slopes South

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 8 months ago.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

New snow accumulations and strong winds will make for a heads-up day in wind-loaded terrain. Avoid steep slopes that are actively loading or appear freshly drifted and textured. Lots of early-season hazards continue to plague avalanche paths, so even a small avalanche could come with an undesiarble outcome. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    A windy storm with fresh snowfall will create a fresh batch of wind slabs that could easily trigger by a human or machine. Expect these slabs to be denser and more widespread as you gain elevation or closer to the Cascade Crest. 

    Very strong SW winds may create irregular loading, so you may find these slabs forming further down slope or even lower in the trees. You’ll commonly find these wind slabs on the downwind sides of ridges, beneath cornices and rock bands, and in terrain constrictions. 

    With the stormy conditions, you’ll want to use visual clues such as blowing snow and rippled, dune-like drifts to help you avoid this problem. You can probe with your pole to detect stiffer, deeper pockets as you travel. Shooting cracks are clear indicators that you found unstable snow.  Seek out lower-angle or wind-sheltered slopes to reduce your risk.

    (1/3/2026)

    Visual clues of recent wind loading and 'fat' pillow-like slabs.

    Photo: Dallas Glass

Avalanche Discussion

We’re finally heading into a snowier, colder pattern. This storm will likely deliver 5-10” of new snow accumulation over a recent crust that formed just after New Year's. New snow accumulations will accompany very strong southwest wind speeds, so you may find irregular surface conditions and wind slab distribution. We have no recent observations from the East South, but an NWAC forecaster traveled at nearby White Pass on Saturday. You can check out their full observation here.  

Unfortunately, lower and mid-elevations have melted back with the recent warm temperatures and rain. Subtle changes in aspect, elevation, or canopy cover can significantly affect overall depth and riding conditions. Snowpack depths likely range widely across the East South. Expect a lean snowpack of roughly 10-20 inches in the eastern mountains and more robust 40-50 inches closer to the Cascade Crest. 

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