East Slopes North
Backcountry Avalanche Forecast
Author: Josh Hirshberg
Issued: Friday, April 3, 2026 at 6:33 PM PDT
Expires: Saturday, April 4, 2026 at 6:30 PM PDT
The Bottom Line
The Bottom LineYou could trigger small avalanches on steep slopes where you find 3" or more of recent snow, especially where the wind has formed fresh drifts. Steer around fresh pillows of drifted snow on slopes over 35 degrees. If you find weak, wet snow that slides easily on sunny slopes, move to lower-angle or shadier terrain.
Avalanche Danger
Saturday, April 4, 2026
8000-6500ft2 - Moderate
6500-5000ft2 - Moderate
5000-3000ft1 - Low
Sunday, April 5, 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: Wet Loose
Problem Type
Wet Loose
Aspect/Elevation
Likelihood
Size
(3/18/2026)
Loose wet avalanches on Vasiliki Tower/Burgundy.
Photo: Marissa Popp
Saturday will be the warmest, sunniest day in at least a week. Avalanches will be easy to trigger on underlying slick crusts. While loose avalanches will be shallow and predictable, they could pick up significant debris and still be dangerous if they catch you off guard. Use small test slopes to see how easily the snow slides before committing to bigger terrain. Use caution near terrain traps, where an avalanche could push you into rocks, trees, or gullies. Travel one at a time and stop out from under steep slopes where others are traveling.
Problem #2: Wind Slab
Problem Type
Wind Slab
Aspect/Elevation
Likelihood
Size
(2/18/2026)
An example of a shallow wind slab avalanche on Silver Star Mtn, middle elevation, N-NE
Photo: NCH
On the 2nd, westerly winds formed shallow slabs and were strong enough to transport old snow. Stiffer surfaces or cracks that shoot through the snow are signs of the danger. Watch for small drifts on leeward slopes, immediately below ridges and cliffs, or in cross-loaded gullies. Steer around convex roll-overs and shallow pillows of drifted snow on steep slopes.
While we suspect that it's now difficult to trigger wind slab avalanches, we have limited information about conditions at upper elevations. If you travel there, be prepared to make your own assessment.
Forecast Discussion
On the 2nd, WSDOT forecasters reported 3" of new snow, blowing snow, and isolated shooting cracks. Observers are still finding dry snow, especially on shaded, northerly aspects above 5,000ft. The recent snow fell on a variety of surfaces. In sheltered areas at mid and upper elevations, there's 6-10" of settled storm snow above the most recent crust. In wind-exposed locations, the recent snow is heavily textured and drifted. On sunny slopes, slick crusts are just below the surface.
On the 29th, a skier triggered a small wind slab avalanche on Silverstar Mountain at 7,200ft on a northeast aspect. Snow cover is thin on southerly slopes and at low elevations. 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.