East Slopes Central
Backcountry Avalanche Forecast
Author: Katie Warren
Issued: Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at 6:30 PM PDT
Expires: Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at 6:30 PM PDT
The Bottom Line
The Bottom LineA moderate storm may favor the eastern Cascades, particularly the Wenatchee Mountains. Increasing snow and winds will build reactive slabs where you could trigger an avalanche in wind drifted snow on steep slopes below ridgelines. Steer around steep terrain if you observe active drifting or long cracks in wind stiffened snow.
Avalanche Danger
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
7500-6000ft2 - Moderate
6000-5000ft2 - Moderate
5000-2500ft1 - Low
Thursday, April 2, 2026
7500-6000ft2 - Moderate
6000-5000ft2 - Moderate
5000-2500ft1 - Low
Avalanche Danger ScaleLearn moreGeneral InfoGeneral Information1 - LowLow2 - ModModerate3 - ConsConsiderable4 - HighHigh5 - ExtrExtreme
1 - Low | 2 - Moderate |  3 - Considerable |  4 - High |  5 - Extreme | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Travel Advice | Generally safe avalanche conditions. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features. | Heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern. | Dangerous avalanche conditions. Careful snowpack evaluation, cautious route-finding and conservative decision-making essential. | Very dangerous avalanche conditions. Travel in avalanche terrain not recommended. | Extraordinarily dangerous avalanche conditions. Avoid all avalanche terrain. |
| Likelihood of Avalanches | Natural and human-triggered avalanches unlikely. | Natural avalanches unlikely; human-triggered avalanches possible. | Natural avalanches possible; human-triggered avalanches likely. | Natural avalanches likely; human-triggered avalanches very likely. | Natural and human-triggered avalanches certain. |
| Avalanche Size and Distribution | Small avalanches in isolated areas or extreme terrain. | Small avalanches in specific areas; or large avalanches in isolated areas. | Small avalanches in many areas; or large avalanches in specific areas; or very large avalanches in isolated areas. | Large avalanches in many areas; or very large avalanches in specific areas. | Very large avalanches in many areas. |
Avalanche Problems (1)
Problem #1: Wind Slab
Problem Type
Wind Slab
Aspect/Elevation
Likelihood
Size
(2/27/2026)
Long shooting cracks like this are a key indication that you could trigger an avalanche on a steep wind loaded slope.
Photo: Payton Schiff
As the afternoon progresses, snowfall and winds will increase. This isn't a powerful storm, but the storm track favors our eastern mountains, and small wind slabs will quickly form on lee slopes below ridgelines. These slabs are likely to form over weak, faceted snow and slick crusts. So, despite being small, avalanches could be surprisingly reactive.
Look for active drifted along ridgelines, textured surfaces, cornice formations, and deep drifts to help you identify wind-loaded slopes. Natural avalanches and long shooting cracks are bullseye information that wind-drifted snow is unstable. You can also use small test slopes to assess new snow reactivity. If it slides easily or triggers a mini-avalanche, steer clear of steep slopes and features. Avalanches may be small, but with our low snowpack, there are many exposed obstacles to be dragged into, increasing the consequences of getting caught.
In sheltered terrain, new snow may slide easily on the old snow surface. So fast-running, dry loose avalanches could also be a concern in steep terrain.
Forecast Discussion
This storm is moving in from the south, which is a favorable direction for easterly flow and snow in the eastern mountains, particularly the Wenatchees. By the end of the day, the area could pick up over 5" of fresh snow. The storm will intensify throughout the day, with increasing snowfall rates and wind during the afternoon.
An NWAC forecaster in the Salmon La Sac area on Tuesday found continuous snow began around 4300ft on favored aspects. Southerly and westerly aspects are primarily bare ground up to the upper elevations. They found weak snow overlying the 3/25 crust on shady aspects at upper elevations and noted a poor bond with this crust. With additional snowfall on Wednesday, this could become a perfect setup for widespread, but likely small, avalanches.
The robust 3/25 crust is creating slick travel conditions, and while 5" of snow over the top will help a bit, conditions are still likely to be slick. So, consider bringing traction and self-arrest tools, especially in steeper terrain.
Recent rain, warm temps, and sun have created widespread non-avalanche hazards. Expect open creeks, holes, and exposed logs and rocks—especially at lower elevations and on south-facing slopes. Travel carefully 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.
This information is provided by the U.S.D.A. Forest Service and describes general backcountry avalanche hazard and conditions.
It does not apply to ski areas and highways where avalanche mitigation is conducted.