West Slopes South
Backcountry Avalanche Forecast
Author: Sam Clairmont
Issued: Monday, April 6, 2026 at 6:30 PM PDT
Expires: Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at 6:30 PM PDT
The Bottom Line
The Bottom LineTuesday will bring generally safe avalanche conditions, but slick and variable surfaces could make for difficult travel. Even with cooling temperatures, there's a chance of snow shedding from rocks and cliffs or a collapsing cornice. Limit your time standing beneath these features, and bring the proper equipment for firm conditions.
Avalanche Danger
Tuesday, April 7, 2026
8000-6500ft1 - Low
6500-5500ft1 - Low
5500-3500ft1 - Low
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
8000-6500ft1 - Low
6500-5500ft1 - Low
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. |
Forecast Discussion
Monday morning brought a light surface crust across most of the West South, but it didn’t last long once the sun came out. Temperatures climbed again, with 5000' temperatures pushing toward 60°F by mid-afternoon. A few older avalanches were reported, but the most recent activity occurred Sunday afternoon.
Temperatures will cool Monday night into Tuesday, lowering freezing levels into the mid elevations. The cooling will be more noticeable in the northern part of the zone, while areas farther south, like Mount St. Helens, may not see as much of a drop. Winds will also increase, with moderate to strong speeds along ridgelines. Cooling temperatures should do a good job of reducing wet avalanche activity on Tuesday, but firm and rough surfaces could make for challenging travel, especially at higher elevations on the volcanoes. If you’re heading into the backcountry, bring proper equipment to prevent long, sliding falls.
Even with cooler temperatures, snow could still shed from rocks and cliffs. Cornices have taken on a lot of sun recently and are beginning to sag. Limit time on or below these features, as even small releases could knock you off your feet.
Snow coverage continues to thin after extended warm weather, especially on sunny aspects at lower elevations. Expect more obstacles, open creeks, and tricky navigation, and plan extra time for travel.
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.