East Slopes Central
Backcountry Avalanche Forecast
Author: Katie Warren
Issued: Monday, April 13, 2026 at 6:30 PM PDT
Expires: Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at 6:30 PM PDT
The Bottom Line
The Bottom LineA stormy day will increase the chance of triggering small avalanches in wind-drifted snow by the afternoon. Avalanches will be small, but they're also more likely to form in steep, rocky alpine terrain, where a small avalanche can carry high consequences. Consider lower-angle slopes if you observe actively blowing snow or cracking in textured drifts.
Avalanche Danger
Tuesday, April 14, 2026
7500-6000ft2 - Moderate
6000-5000ft1 - Low
5000-2500ft1 - Low
Wednesday, April 15, 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
(4/2/2026)
These long cracks are a bulleyes sign of unstable wind slabs.
Photo: Payton Schiff
While we don't expect much snow out of this storm on Monday, the strong winds will easily drift snow into shallow wind slabs. The storm will intensify, and avalanche danger will increase throughout the day. Wind slabs are most likely to form at upper elevations on lee slopes below ridgelines and confined rocky features. Look for blowing snow, cornice formations, and textured surfaces to help identify wind loaded terrain below. You can use small test slopes to observe how the snow reacts. Cracking or snow sliding easily as a slab are signs that you could trigger an avalanche on a larger, steeper slope. Seek out wind sheltered areas, or steer around textured drifts on steep terrain.
Avalanches will mostly be small, but they could carry high consequences in very steep terrain or push you into rocks and trees. Always consider the
Forecast Discussion
Precipitation will increase throughout the day, accompanied by strong winds and cooling temperatures. The real bulk of the storm should hold off until the late evening.
Given limited observations, we have a fair amount of uncertainty heading into this storm. With mild temperatures and a cooling trend, we expect a favorable bond to underlying surfaces, but we don't have much information from upper elevations. If you're traveling into upper elevation terrain, assess this new interface frequently before committing to consequential terrain. Despite our uncertainty, after this long spell of warm, dry weather, we don't have concerns with deeper layers in the snowpack.
An NWAC forecaster near Mission Ridge found shallow, discontinuous snow at upper elevations, although there was enough for recreation. Surfaces were supportable, and there is a mix of wet snow and melt-freeze crusts in the upper snowpack.
The meager winter hasn't left much of a snowpack at lower elevations, and sunny aspects like west and south slopes are looking bare well into the mid-elevations. Consider packing trail shoes for traveling over dry ground to reach a more robust snowpack at upper elevations.
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.