Avalanche forecast

East Slopes South

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 7 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

You may be able to trigger thin slabs of wind-drifted snow below ridgelines or in rocky, complex terrain at upper elevations and in some exposed middle elevations. Consider avoiding steep consequential slopes with stiff, textured wind deposits. Low-snow hazards linger and could easily worsen the consequences of a small avalanche.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Recent light accumulations and periods of moderate wind speeds have produced a batch of thin wind slabs across upper and some exposed mid-elevation terrain. While most of these are likely small, they could trigger easily on steep, unsupported slopes, especially in areas where they rest over a slick crust.

    Look for fresh deposits of windblown snow near ridgelines and summits, and downwind of saddles and other terrain that funnel winds. You can use visual clues such as blowing snow and textured, wind-sculpted surfaces to help you identify where the wind has been at work. Linear cracks shooting away from you are a clear sign of an unstable slab. Older slabs may sound or feel hollow and have a very hard, polished surface. Keep in mind that any triggered wind slab could be consequential if there are rocks, trees, or creeks in the run-out.

    (1/5/2026)

    Sharp and large cornice development along the north side of an upper elevation ridgeline in the East Central zone. 

    Photo: Payton Schiff

Avalanche Discussion

It's been a warm storm so far for the region. Recent observations indicate that very little accumulation has occurred below 5500 ft on Sunday. The White Pass Pro Patrol in the neighboring West South zone reported approximately 6 inches of new snow above 6000 ft. We suspect similar or slightly less accumulations over a crust in the upper elevation in the East South. The wind speeds have been remarkably light with this storm, but that looks to change on Sunday night as wind speeds ramp up into the moderate range, which may continue to drift new snow into fresh slabs in higher terrain.

Monday will also bring a drying trend and increasing chances of clearing during the afternoon hours. If this occurs, you may observe some small wet loose activity on steep sunny terrain.

Unfortunately, the January drought left its mark across the mountains of the East South. Access is very challenging, and new snow will fall on bare ground or a very shallow snowpack at lower elevations. In general, you’ll find an incredibly lean and sharky snowpack east of Darland Mountain. If you’re recreating farther west, in the Tieton area or west of Bumping Lake, you’ll encounter more usable snowpack. 

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

Regions covered