Avalanche forecast

East Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

It remains possible to trigger small slab avalanches on steep and exposed downwind slopes. Avalanche hazard will spike on any given slope with recently fallen snow that sees direct sunshine for the first time. Especially at these times, use more caution around steep slopes where you could be knocked over and carried into cliffs, rocks, and trees below.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Lingering instability exists in wind slabs that formed Wednesday night and Thursday. These slabs sit on slick crusts in most places, but can also be over weak, faceted snow as well. So, despite their small size and age, avalanches can be surprisingly reactive. Expect deeper slabs on northern and eastern aspects. Many middle elevation south and west aspects have minimal snow coverage.

    Wind slabs most often form just below ridgelines or along gully walls (cross-loading). Look for textured/uneven surfaces and recent cornice/wind lip formation, which will tell you that the wind has moved snow around in that area. Find a steep but small terrain feature with these characteristics to jump on and test for reactivity. Steer clear of bigger steep slopes or wind-loaded features if you trigger a mini-slide, get long shooting cracks, or see natural avalanches elsewhere in terrain. An avalanche probably won't be big enough to bury you, but given our low snowpack and the abundance of exposed hazards, the consequences of being caught and carried are increased.

    (4/2/2026)

    Long shooting cracks are a clear sign of instability in wind loaded snow.

    Photo: Payton Schiff

  • Loose Wet

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

    As soon as the sun hits recently fallen snow, it will rapidly weaken. It might not even be "wet" yet when this problem starts to happen, but it will likely be by the end of the day. Chunks of snow and rollerballs will start falling from trees, rocks, and your own equipment as you travel around. Manage your sluff by using more deliberate, slow travel away from terrain traps where snow will entrain. Pause to let sluff pass if it's growing too big, or if you need to change direction. Avoid steep, sun exposed slopes when you start seeing natural avalanches, and limit your exposure to cliffbands where snow could fall down from. This problem is less likely on south and west aspects at all elevations due to minimal or non-existent snow coverage. Although unlikely to bury you, traumatic injury is more likely with any avalanche involvement due to thin snow coverage.

    On northerly aspects, small but fast running sluffs of dry loose snow also remain a concern in steep terrain. Use the same terrain management techniques for this problem.

    (2/24/2026)

    A flurry of of avalanches initiating from very steep, rocky areas and ski tracks on sunny slopes.

    Photo: Harrison Brickman - Bellingham Mtn Rescue

Avalanche Discussion

Some cloud cover Thursday night will give way to sunny skies Friday morning. Thin, high clouds might move in in the afternoon, but they probably won't be thick enough to hold off the effects of warming on the snowpack. Anticipate more full sun all day to the south of the zone.

An NWAC Forecaster in the Salmon La Sac on Thursday found small but reactive wind slab and dry loose avalanche conditions at middle elevations. Both problem types released on either the robust 3/25 crust or a small layer of near surface facets above the crust. These layers have recently been documented at upper elevations in the Salmon La Sac as well, and deeper slabs may exist there. You could find an isolated pocket in extreme terrain where enough recent snow formed a large slab deep enough to bury you if triggered. At lower elevations, avalanche hazard is generally low because there is not enough recent snow, and what snow there is is well bonded to the crust below.

To the east of the zone, it's unlikely you'll find near surface facets, but the 3/25 crust is pervasive. Mission Ridge Pro Patrol reported slabs up to 8 inches deep of wind drifted snow sitting above the crust at upper elevations. It is less likely you'd find a large slab deep enough to bury you around these areas.

Recent rain, warm temps, and sun have created widespread non-avalanche hazards. The 3/25 crust is slick at middle and upper elevations, creating long sliding fall hazard. You can also expect open creeks, holes, and exposed logs and rocks—especially at lower elevations and on south-facing slopes. Travel carefully, bring self-arresting equipment, and plan for difficult access.

Are you heading out into the mountains?  Let us know what you see by submitting an observation here or on the AvyApp.

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