West Slopes Central
Backcountry Avalanche Forecast
Author: Josh Hirshberg
Issued: Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at 6:33 PM PDT
Expires: Thursday, March 26, 2026 at 6:30 PM PDT
The Bottom Line
The Bottom LineBy Thursday morning, you may be able to trigger small avalanches at middle and upper elevations both on sunny slopes and where the wind drifts snow. Use caution on steep slopes with new snow, especially just below ridges. You can expect 4-8" of recent snow, westerly wind, and gradually clearing skies.
Avalanche Danger
Thursday, March 26, 2026
7500-5500ft2 - Moderate
5500-4500ft2 - Moderate
4500-2500ft2 - Moderate
Friday, March 27, 2026
7500-5500ft2 - Moderate
5500-4500ft2 - Moderate
4500-2500ft1 - 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 (2)
Problem #1: Wind Slab
Problem Type
Wind Slab
Aspect/Elevation
Likelihood
Size
(2/27/2026)
An example of wind transported snow in the Whitepine Creek drainage. North Chiwaukum Mtn, 7,000ft
Photo: Josh Hirshberg
Watch for pillowed features and recently drifted snow to indicate wind-loaded slopes. If you find drifts of 4" or more over a crust, use caution on slopes over 35 degrees. Steer around deeper drifts and steep, convex roll-overs. Use caution where avalanches could push you into rocks, trees, or other terrain traps.
On Wednesday, snow fell on a refreezing crust. Check the bond between the new and old snow. Note how it changes as you gain elevation or move into wind-loaded terrain.
Problem #2: Wet Loose
Problem Type
Wet Loose
Aspect/Elevation
Likelihood
Size
(3/3/2026)
An example of a natural wet loose avalanche in the Stevens Pass backcountry. N, 4500ft.
Photo: Stevens Pass Ski Patrol
As the snow surface warms, watch for moist snow, rollerballs, and natural wet avalanches to indicate increasing danger. If you see these signs, stay out from under steep, overhead terrain. Give yourself options to move to lower-angle or shadier slopes. Use caution where avalanches could push you into rocks, trees, and other terrain traps. The day will begin with cloudy skies, but should clear, at least partially, by afternoon.
Forecast Discussion
By Wednesday evening, Stevens Pass picked up 2-4". North of the zone, near Mt Baker, snow totals were near 1 foot. Another 3-6" of new snow is forecast for the Mountain Loop area by Thursday morning. There's some uncertainty with overnight snow totals, as it will depend on the amount of convergence setting up over the zone. Westerly winds will be strong overnight, but will taper during the day.
We are uncertain about the bond between the new snow and the most recent crust (3/24). On Tuesday, over 2" of rain broke down a previously stout crust, which then partially refroze by Wednesday morning. As you move through the mountains, you can use quick hand pits and test slopes to see how well the snow is bonded. If you travel to upper elevations, you may find significantly more new snow.
On Monday, NWAC Forecasters along the west slope of the Cascades found Low danger and thick crusts. On the 16-20th, several inches of rain brought a couple of rounds of wet avalanches, including very large wet slabs. You may still see some debris from the cycle of large avalanches later that week. Snow cover is thin on most slopes. Be aware of exposed rocks, open creeks, and deep holes. These could be dangerous travel hazards if you fall into them.
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.