Bollettino valanghe

East Slopes South

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Pericolo valanghe

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Alta quota
2 · Moderato
Limite del bosco
2 · Moderato
Sotto il limite
1 · Debole
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In sintesi

You’re most likely to trigger an avalanche in wind-loaded terrain where fresh slabs of drifted snow rest over weak layers in the upper snowpack. Expect more dangerous conditions as you gain elevation into more wind-exposed terrain or closer to the Cascade Crest that received more recent accumulations. Pay close attention to visual clues like blowing snow, wind-stiffened surfaces, and sharp drifts to help you identify slopes of concern. 

Problemi valanghivi

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alta quota
    • Limite del bosco
    • Sotto il limite del bosco
    Probabilità
    Possible
    Dimensione
    1–2

    Wind slabs will continue to grow in size and become more reactive to a human's weight as new snow trickles in. While precipitation totals remain rather light, slabs could quickly become sensitive with minor warming and weak layers resting under recently formed slabs. It's not out of the question that a triggered wind slab could break more deeply or propagate more widely than expected, they fail on facets or buried surface hoar. This situation will become more likely as you move into upper elevations. 

    Wind slabs typically form just below ridgelines and within concave terrain features (cross-loading). Due to recent easterly winds, small slabs may exist on atypical slopes. Blowing or drifting snow will be your first easily identifiable sign that slabs are being built. Also keep an eye out for other visual and tactile clues such as textured surfaces, soft, freshly formed difts/cornices, and a change to denser feeling snow beneath your equipment.

    (2/20/2026)

    Mission Ridge in the East Central: Wind slabs failing on buried surface hoar and entraining dry loose snow on the way down. These slabs were 4F+ hard and 8-10" at their deepest. Cracking can also be observed in near crust facets below the 02/07 crust. Mission patrollers reported sustained wind transport from the SW throughout the day.

    Photo: Mission Ridge Pro Patrol

Avalanche Discussion

The avalanche danger is slowly rising as new snow trickles in over recently buried weak layers from the January drought zone-wide. As of right now, most recent activity has been small and confined to wind-loaded terrain. In typical Cascade fashion, areas further west in the zone, like the Tieton, Bumping Lake, and near Mt. Adams, have more recent snow and the potential for larger avalanches, especially at higher elevations. We don’t have much information from these upper elevations, but with recent strong winds and incremental loading, you may be stepping into dangerous conditions. Consider checking out the West South avalanche forecast if you find yourself recreating closer to the crest. 

Recent observations from this zone and neighboring ones indicate a complex of weak layers in the upper snowpackoften consisting of facets over a crust and surface hoar. These layers are likely buried approximately 6-15 inches below the snow surface depending on where you are in the zone. On Friday in the nearby East Central zone, Mission Ridge Pro Patrol triggered small wind slabs that failed on the layer of buried surface hoar, and stepped down to near crust facets below the 02/07. The day prior, NWAC Forecasters traveling in East Central got notable snowpit test results on these layers as well. Another NWAC Forecaster, traveling over the ridge at Crystal Mountain also reported easily finding buried surface hoar and facets over a crust (observation here). 

We have persistent weak layers, but we’re still lacking the slab as the key ingredient in many areas outside of wind-loaded terrain. That may start to change in the coming days as more significant precipitation, wind loading, and some warming start forming a more a cohesive slab over a weak upper snowpack. Now is a good time to start dialing it back and closely assessing the reactivity of the new snow as you move around and make decisions in the mountains. 

Travel conditions are improving, but low snow coverage persists at lower elevations, on southerly slopes, and in eastern areas. Allow extra time and watch for exposed hazards hidden by new snow.

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