West Slopes South
Backcountry Avalanche Forecast
Author: Andy Harrington
Issued: Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at 6:30 PM PDT
Expires: Thursday, April 2, 2026 at 6:30 PM PDT
The Bottom Line
The Bottom LineAvalanche potential will increase as you ascend in elevation on Thursday. Use visual clues such as fresh cornices or new drifts to help identify wind-loaded aspects to avoid. Be leery of convex slopes or rocky outcrops where avalanches are often easier to trigger.
Avalanche Danger
Thursday, April 2, 2026
8000-6500ft3 - Considerable
6500-5500ft2 - Moderate
5500-3500ft1 - Low
Friday, April 3, 2026
8000-6500ft2 - Moderate
6500-5500ft2 - Moderate
5500-3500ft1 - 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
(4/1/2026)
Fresh drifts were observed near Crystal Mountain on 4/1. This visual clue can help you identify the prominent wind direction and hints that wind slabs may exist in nearby terrain.
Photo: Reid Pitman
While you may find upside-down snow or sensitive pockets in sheltered terrain, the largest and most consequential slides are expected to be on wind-loaded slopes on Thursday. Look for visual clues such as actively blowing snow, textured surfaces, or new drifts to help identify leeward aspects. Then you can steer around convexities, rocky outcrops, or steep open slopes below ridgelines where wind slabs are more likely to form.
Using uptrack tests, small test slopes, or quick hand pits can help you identify the depth and reactivity of the new storm snow. Look for heavy snow over weaker snow or slab failures as an indication to dial back your terrain choices to simpler, lower-angled slopes.
Forecast Discussion
As of Wednesday evening, a winter-like storm is raging in the West South zone, bringing wind, snow, and some rain. Skiers at Crystal Mountain reported plenty of actively blowing snow and freshly built cornices on Wednesday as the storm ramped up. Weather station data supported this observation with gusts reaching the 50s. Other stations around the zone reported a bit less wind, but plenty of precipitation, especially down south, where Mount St. Helens is already expected to have received around 1 inch of water.
Before the storm, the snow surface varied greatly, mostly by aspect or exposure to wind and sun. In shaded terrain, dry snow was present, especially in areas sheltered by the wind. You may find that the warm start to this storm has created an upside-down interface in these areas. Elsewhere, the 3/25 crust reigned supreme, either on or just below the surface. Be sure to check all the snow down to the 3/25 for potential failure points before committing to a slope.
As is often the case in the spring, we can't seem to get away from the potential for wet loose slides. They'll be more likely at lower elevations or if temperatures bump up due to diurnal warming on Thursday. Any triggered avalanche, whether slab or loose, wet or dry, could run easily or far on the underlying 3/25 crust.
Before Wednesday's rain, travel had improved marginally at lower elevations, but that may no longer be the case. As we flip back toward snow, hazards that were easily visible just a day or two ago could be partially hidden. Holes and creeks have been with us all season long and will continue to be throughout the spring.
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.