Avalanche forecast

East Slopes South

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Saturday will mark the start of a more active pattern. While precipitation may be slow to arrive, start considering wet-snow instabilities in steep terrain as rain begins to fall. Expect an uptick in avalanche danger on Saturday night.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    As rain begins to fall on a well-beaten-up snowpack, start thinking about wet loose avalanches in steep terrain. These shouldn’t be big or widespread, but rain-on-snow can be a heads-up situation - especially in those upper elevation areas that may still hold small amounts of dry snow or where the surface crust is thin. You may find these to be more prominent closer to the Cascade Crest, where more rain will fall. Fresh rollerballs and deep boot penetrations are signs that wet loose avalanches could be triggered on steep terrain. While this problem is often considered to be more manageable, don't be complacent in steep, complex terrain where a small avalanche could push you off your feet or sled.

    (2/6/2026)

    An example of a small wet loose avalanche in the White Pass backcountry on Friday.  This one appears to be only a few inches deep, running on a crust surface below.

    Photo: Northwest Avalanche Center

Avalanche Discussion

Saturday may feel more like a transition day as we head into a more active pattern. The day should start dry, but look for clouds to thicken and light precipitation to move into the eastern mountains during the afternoon hours. Unfortunately, this storm will start on high snow levels (6500 ft), so expect rain through at least the mid-elevations. Upper elevations may pick up snow, so start shifting your focus to newly forming wind slabs if you find your self high enough and west enough. Light precipitation on Saturday gives way to heavier snowfall and strong winds Saturday night into Sunday, so expect a more significant rise in danger in the coming days.

Unfortunately, the January drought left its mark across the mountains of the East South. Access is very challenging, and new snow will fall on bareground 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 further west  in the Tieton or west of Bumping Lake, you’ll encounter a more usable snowpack. 

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

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