Avalanche forecast

East Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired last year.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

Highlights

With warm temperatures and a few inches of recent snow, wet avalanches are the main concern for Thursday. Most avalanches will be small but could be more significant near the Cascade Crest, which received more recent snow. You should also avoid lingering beneath overhung cornices or rocky terrain that could shed slabs of snow. 

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    There isn't much for recent snow totals for most of the East Central zone, but small wet avalanches are possible on steep slopes. If you begin to notice rollerballs and wet snow that slides easily on underlying crusts, you should move to lower angle terrain. While wet loose avalanches will generally be small and predictable, they could easily knock you off your feet in consequential terrain. In areas closer to the crest with higher recent snow totals, these avalanches could be larger and more dangerous. 

    Cornice falls and glide avalanches are less likely, but if you're in the wrong place, they could be very dangerous. Avoid traveling under large, overhanging cornices,  slopes with open glide cracks, and cliffs still holding slabs of snow.

    (4/6/2025)

    Loose wet avalanches on Colchuck Glacier Sunday afternoon

Avalanche Discussion

Wednesday was a mostly sunny and warm day for the East Central Zone. Earlier this week, areas near the Cascade Crest picked up around 6 inches of snow with significantly less accumulation further east. At middle and low elevations, this storm was a mix of rain and moist snow.

On Tuesday, an NWAC forecaster traveled in the Wenatchee Mountains. They found stormy and windy conditions. While there was minimal new snow, the wind was drifting it around into very shallow slabs. The avalanche danger was minimal, though the new snow slid easily on the old snow crust. In areas with more recent snow, these lingering wind slabs could be larger and more dangerous. If you are traveling into complex alpine terrain, watch for deep drifts below ridgelines on lee slopes. If you observe recent avalanches or cracking in wind-affected snow, steer around steep terrain. 

Observers have traveled to some further-flung destinations in the past week, including Beverly Creek, The Enchantments, and the Trinity area. They reported natural wet avalanches over the weekend and during hot sunny weather last week. 

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