Avalanche forecast

East Slopes North

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

You’ll find the most dangerous conditions at higher elevations and near the Cascade Crest, where more snow fell during the recent storm. Avalanches could occur in wind loaded pockets or as the sun affects the new snow. Choose terrain that lets you quickly adapt to the dynamic spring weather.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Even though there may be a few layers within the new storm snow, it's the wind loaded areas that have our attention. Moderate winds on Thursday could form fresh drifts and make any older slabs thicker. 

    Visual clues should help anticipate potentially wind loaded slopes. Textured surfaces, small sharp cornices, fresh drifts, and blowing snow can highlight local wind patterns and point toward the features you want to avoid. These slabs may form near ridges, in the tops of chutes, and even along exposed mid-slope features. Keep a sharp eye out for wind loaded slopes and give them a wide berth. 

    (2/4/2026)

    Example: An intentionally triggered wind slab from earlier this season. You could find slabs like this along ridgelines and otehr exposed features. 

    Photo: NCH

  • Loose Wet

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

    This problem will be a function of the amount of new snow, the length of the slope, and how sunny the skies become. In places with 8-12 inches of new snow and long sustained slopes, you could see larger natural wet avalanches. Conversely, if skies remain cloudier, this might not be an issue at all. 

    A very thin crust on the surface, probably won’t last long if the sun really comes out. Watch for snow falling off rocks and trees. This is often the first indication that this problem is rearing its head. Rollerballs and natural avalanches often follow. Don’t get stuck in steep southerly terrain as the snow starts to turn. Instead, look for routes that help you avoid being on or under sunny slopes.

    (4/15/2026)

    Natural loose avalanches on the SW aspect of Whistler Peak. 

    Photo: WSDOT NCR

Avalanche Discussion

This storm largely impacted areas right along the Cascade Crest. You’ll find a big difference in snow totals as you move further east. In areas where less snow fell, expect substantially lower avalanche danger and much smaller slides. Near Washington and Rainy Passes 12-15 inches of snow accumulated over the 4/14 crust. Weather stations suggest areas around Harts Pass likely saw 8-10 inches. WSDOT forecasters reported the new snow was well bonded to the 4/14 crust in their observations. 

Spring weather is often very dynamic with rapidly changing snow conditions. Couple that with less information about the new snow, and we have a higher degree of uncertainty. It may be worth easing into the terrain to test the new snow. We’re only worried about the snow above the 4/14 crust. Fortunately, this stout crust is limiting avalanche concerns deeper in the snowpack. 

Despite the new snow, spring has sprung in the mountain valleys. Lower elevations and southerly slopes have lost significant amounts of snow. However, higher in the terrain coverage remains much better. Be aware of exposed rocks and open creeks. WSDOT has begun plowing operations on Hwy 20 between Silver Star trailhead and Newhalem. The road will be closed to all traffic Monday through Thursday while workers and machinery are operating.

Regions covered