West Slopes Central
Backcountry Avalanche Forecast
Author: Irene Henninger
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 LineAvalanche danger will increase throughout the day as snow continues to fall. You may be able to start your day accessing most terrain, but as new snow depths start reaching six inches or more, shift your travels to lower-angle slopes to avoid triggering and getting caught in dangerous avalanches.
Avalanche Danger
Tuesday, April 14, 2026
7500-5500ft3 - Considerable
5500-4500ft3 - Considerable
4500-2500ft2 - Moderate
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
7500-5500ft3 - Considerable
5500-4500ft3 - Considerable
4500-2500ft2 - Moderate
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: Storm Slab
Problem Type
Storm Slab
Aspect/Elevation
Likelihood
Size
(3/17/2025)
You could trigger dangerous avalanches on steep slopes in areas where there is about 6 or more inches of new snow. These are storm slabs I triggered in the West Central zone last year, when we had similar new snow amounts to what we're getting on Tuesday.
Photo: Irene Henninger
Avalanche danger will increase as more snow falls. When snow depths reach about six inches or more, it's time to shift your travel to lower-angle terrain.
Above about 5000ft, there could be a firm crust that the new snow layer slides easily on, making it easier for you to trigger avalanches. Although avalanches could happen anywhere steep where new snow amounts to about six inches or deeper, they could be larger and easier to trigger in wind-loaded terrain.
When in doubt, stick to lower-angle terrain on Tuesday.
Forecast Discussion
It's back to winter after an enticing couple of weeks with spring conditions. Now, dry snow problems are the main concern. By the end of the day, we could have 6-10 inches of snow with moderate winds, and danger will further increase overnight, when another 8-10 inches of snow could fall. Temperatures are expected to stay cool, keeping the snow dry at most elevations, as a nice change.
Beneath the new snow layer, expect rough, crusty surfaces. This hard, frozen layer is sitting over large, moist grains that exist all the way to the ground across most aspects and elevations. The old snow layer may still have a soft surface at lower elevations. The snow could be punchy. Here, small rollerballs may run in any new snow that accumulates where temperatures are flirting with the freezing line. Also beware of plenty of irregularities, cracks, and holes in the snowpack that has been subjected to plenty of melting over the past couple of weeks.
New snow amounts and avalanche danger could vary across the zone. If we get less snow than forecasts are calling for, then the avalanche danger could be lower.
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.