Avalanche forecast

East Slopes South

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 8 months ago.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

Triggering soft or hard slabs of wind-drifted snow remains possible in steep, wind-drifted terrain. Be suspicious of terrain that promotes drifting, like the downwind sides of saddles between peaks, the tops of chutes, and the lee sides of corniced ridges. You can reduce your exposure to this problem by choosing lower-angle routes out of the wind. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    While precipitation may taper, west winds will stay in transport speeds through the day. Look for new snow to be easily transported into slabs 1-2 ft thick. Expect these slabs to range from soft to hard depending on elevation and exposure to the wind. If slabs feel soft, using small test slopes can provide reliable feedback when assessing reactivity. However, if they feel stiff and hollow, don’t trust them and give them extra space. You can generally expect these slabs to be larger, closer to the Cascade Crest. 

    Recent observations report irregular loading due to strong wind speeds. You may find these slabs in less common areas, like on mid-slope convexities or further down in the trees. Be suspicious of any leeward terrain that can collect wind drifted snow. You’ll commonly find slabs on the downwind sides of ridges, below cornices, or in rocky exposed terrain. Visual clues like textured snow surfaces, sharp drifts, and blowing snow can help you identify what slopes slopes of concern. Shooting cracks under your feet or machine are obvious signs you found an unstable slab. 

    (1/4/2026)

    Large old cornices on Mt Cashmere. NE, 6500ft

    Photo: Josh Hirshberg

Avalanche Discussion

Monday is shaping up to be a pleasant day in the mountains before more active weather arrives on Tuesday. You’ll likely notice some sun poking through the clouds, especially further east in the zone. With that in mind, keep an eye out for wet-snow instabilities that could form on steep, solar aspects if the sun makes an appearence. These likely won’t be big or widespread across the zone, but they may be fairly predictable and peel off steep rocky slopes if the skies trend bluer. Consider moving to shadier slopes in bigger terrain if you notice rollerballs and pinwheels peeling off steep, sunny aspects.

The East South saw a welcome refresh at middle and upper elevations on Sunday. Darland Mtn likely picked up 4-8” of recent snow with higher amounts closer to the Cascade Crest. In most areas, new snow capped a wet snow layer or a melt-freeze crust from the previous days. There are no recent observations from the East South, but one observer traveling near Crystal reported plenty of wind-affected surfaces along ridgelines. 

Unfortunately, lower and mid-elevations have melted back with the recent warm temperatures and rain. Subtle changes in aspect, elevation, or canopy cover can significantly affect overall depth and riding conditions. Snowpack depths likely range widely across the East South. Expect a lean snowpack of roughly 10-20 inches in the eastern mountains and more robust 40-50 inches closer to the Cascade Crest. 

The snowpack remains thin for early January. Many avalanche paths are littered with rocks, creeks, and early-season terrain depressions. In choosing terrain to ride, consider the consequence of a slide- if one happens, where will it take you? Look for slopes with a clean run-out free of bone-breaking trees, creeks, and rocks. 

 

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