Avalanche forecast

East Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 8 months ago.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

Especially in areas at the southern end of the zone that see more sunshine, the snow on steep slopes can start to weaken. Wet avalanches could result as the day progresses. If the skies stay cloudy, you won't see much in the way of warm, sticky snow.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    As warm, dry weather continues to spread east across the forecast region, expect a chance of warming and weakening snow on slopes that get direct sunshine. At lower elevations, colder temperatures, low clouds/fog, and long mid-winter mountain shadows should control this problem. Areas near I-90 and the Wenatchees will see more sky clearing and warming than further north. Signs of weakening are snow surfaces becoming sticky, chunks of snow falling from trees, and fresh roller balls releasing on steep slopes. Pay attention to the terrain around you; weakened snow is more likely to release from steep cliffy terrain, and a small avalanche could knock you over onto cliffs and rocks. You can recreate earlier in the day or on shady slopes to avoid this problem entirely.

    (12/27/2025)

    (East North zone) Small loose avalanches releasing from cliffy terrain due to warming.

    Photo: Adam Butterfield

Avalanche Discussion

Tuesday will be another day of high pressure, but spring-like weather isn't really expected to "turn on" quite yet. Expect some high clouds to persist over much of the zone throughout the day. Temperatures will feel significantly cooler at the trailhead due to temperature inversions, and this may even cause some valley fog to form in the morning.

Observations have not yet noted surface crusts on southerly aspects at middle elevations; however, observations are few and far between. We do not have any snowpack information for upper elevations. If there are surface crusts, they will have to break down first, further reducing the likelihood of wet loose avalanches. 

Based on the limited snowpack information we have, there are three notable layers. There is a thin crust that formed on Christmas Eve (12/24), a thicker crust that formed on 12/18 and likely extends up to around 6000 ft in some areas, and basal atmospheric-river crusts at the bottom of the snowpack. Mission Ridge Ski Patrol found 1-3mm facets on this layer late last week. The 12/24 crust is buried around 12-24 inches. We haven't heard of much for instability, but if you go poking around on higher, more complex slopes, you could find a lingering isolated wind slab. If you plan to recreate in this kind of terrain, take a good look for wind affected snow before diving in. 

All the recent snow has made trail access and snow coverage less challenging. Even still, it’s tough going at lower elevations. Downed trees, open creeks, and grabby bushes make getting to deeper snowpacks a challenge. Plan extra time into your day to navigate these obstacles.

Regions covered