East Slopes North
Backcountry Avalanche Forecast
Author: Dallas Glass
Issued: Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at 6:30 PM PDT
Expires: Thursday, April 16, 2026 at 6:30 PM PDT
The Bottom Line
The Bottom LineYou’ll find the most dangerous conditions at higher elevations and near the Cascade Crest, where more snow fell during the recent storm. Avalanches could occur in wind loaded pockets or as the sun affects the new snow. Choose terrain that lets you quickly adapt to the dynamic spring weather.
Avalanche Danger
Thursday, April 16, 2026
8000-6500ft3 - Considerable
6500-5000ft2 - Moderate
5000-3000ft1 - Low
Friday, April 17, 2026
8000-6500ft2 - Moderate
6500-5000ft2 - Moderate
5000-3000ft1 - 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 (2)
Problem #1: Wind Slab
Problem Type
Wind Slab
Aspect/Elevation
Likelihood
Size
(2/4/2026)
Example: An intentionally triggered wind slab from earlier this season. You could find slabs like this along ridgelines and otehr exposed features.
Photo: NCH
Even though there may be a few layers within the new storm snow, it's the wind loaded areas that have our attention. Moderate winds on Thursday could form fresh drifts and make any older slabs thicker.
Visual clues should help anticipate potentially wind loaded slopes. Textured surfaces, small sharp cornices, fresh drifts, and blowing snow can highlight local wind patterns and point toward the features you want to avoid. These slabs may form near ridges, in the tops of chutes, and even along exposed mid-slope features. Keep a sharp eye out for wind loaded slopes and give them a wide berth.
Problem #2: Wet Loose
Problem Type
Wet Loose
Aspect/Elevation
Likelihood
Size
Natural loose avalanches on the SW aspect of Whistler Peak.
Photo: WSDOT NCRThis problem will be a function of the amount of new snow, the length of the slope, and how sunny the skies become. In places with 8-12 inches of new snow and long sustained slopes, you could see larger natural wet avalanches. Conversely, if skies remain cloudier, this might not be an issue at all.
A very thin crust on the surface, probably won’t last long if the sun really comes out. Watch for snow falling off rocks and trees. This is often the first indication that this problem is rearing its head. Rollerballs and natural avalanches often follow. Don’t get stuck in steep southerly terrain as the snow starts to turn. Instead, look for routes that help you avoid being on or under sunny slopes.
Forecast Discussion
This storm largely impacted areas right along the Cascade Crest. You’ll find a big difference in snow totals as you move further east. In areas where less snow fell, expect substantially lower avalanche danger and much smaller slides. Near Washington and Rainy Passes 12-15 inches of snow accumulated over the 4/14 crust. Weather stations suggest areas around Harts Pass likely saw 8-10 inches. WSDOT forecasters reported the new snow was well bonded to the 4/14 crust in their observations.
Spring weather is often very dynamic with rapidly changing snow conditions. Couple that with less information about the new snow, and we have a higher degree of uncertainty. It may be worth easing into the terrain to test the new snow. We’re only worried about the snow above the 4/14 crust. Fortunately, this stout crust is limiting avalanche concerns deeper in the snowpack.
Despite the new snow, spring has sprung in the mountain valleys. Lower elevations and southerly slopes have lost significant amounts of snow. However, higher in the terrain coverage remains much better. Be aware of exposed rocks and open creeks. WSDOT has begun plowing operations on Hwy 20 between Silver Star trailhead and Newhalem. The road will be closed to all traffic Monday through Thursday while workers and machinery are operating.
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.