Avalanche forecast

East Slopes North

Northwest Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 8 months ago.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

Highlights

A colder and snowy pattern begins on Friday. Winds will drift snow into thick slabs where you could easily trigger a large avalanche. Steep slopes below corniced ridgelines or the base of cliffs are 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
    Very Likely
    Size
    1.5–2

    You could easily trigger a large avalanche by traveling in steep wind-loaded terrain. Cracks that shoot out in front of you, recent avalanches, or actively blowing snow are signs of instability. Reduce your risk by avoiding steep terrain on lee slopes below ridgelines and the base of cliffs.  Recent snow totals are measured in feet and have been accompanied by strong winds. These wind slabs may rest over slick crusts formed in mid-December. If an avalanche breaks down to these crusts, they could be larger than expected, potentially greater than 3' deep.  Low-angle routes, wind-scoured slopes, or sheltered terrain often provide safer travel options. 

    With very limited access to the mountains, we have no details about the snowpack structure. Travel with extra safety margins, make diligent observations, and step into new terrain slowly to account for the increased uncertainty. 

    (12/6/2025)

    The type of terrain you don't want to take an unplanned ride through. 

    A skier-triggered wind slab avalanche from last week near Blue Lake. 6700ft, WNW. SS-AS-D1.5-I

    Photo: Will Govus

Avalanche Discussion

A brief break in the storm action on Thursday made it the first day this week without significant snow accumulation. Thursday night and Friday will bring a return to seasonal temperatures, moderate winds, and another round of snow. We should see lower-elevation snow begin to accumulate and leave wet snow problems behind. This will also likely form a new melt-freeze crust on the surface below 4000ft, which will be buried on Friday.

Since December 14th, our snowpack at Washington Pass has increased by over 2 feet. At elevations over 6,000 ft, we expect recent storm totals to be much higher. We know that a crust formed during a rain-on-snow event on December 11th, which also initiated a significant avalanche cycle with widespread natural avalanche activity up to D3 in size. We have no snowpack data for the zone because the mudslides have closed our common access points.  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. 

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.

Regions covered