East Slopes North

Avalanche danger is Low, but there are plenty of other hazards to be mindful of. Expect variable and tricky travel conditions with an inch or two of new snow over a crust.

A weak shortwave could produce an inch or three of new snow near the western part of the zone. There probably won't be enough new snow to raise the avalanche danger, but higher elevations further west may see enough for small wind slab development. The small amount of new snow may cover up surface hoar which has been observed over the crust in sheltered and shaded areas. Cooler temperatures should lead to a solid freeze on Tuesday. Expect variable snow surface conditions that may change with aspect and time of day.  Dust on crust, supportable slick crust, breakable crust, it's all out there. You may also find yourself facing the potential for long slides on firm, icy slopes. Rain to high elevations on the 12th and 13th spurred a cycle of large (D2.5) wet avalanches in many areas including the Cutthroat and Liberty Bell Paths. 

Consider other hazards of the mountains in the winter such as cornices. Observers noted a large crack in a cornice atop Blue Peak on Sunday. Don't linger beneath large alpine features if you suspect cornices above. Firm and icy slopes in many areas may create travel hazards that warrant crampons or ice axes, etc.

From January 5-7th, the Washington Pass area picked up roughly 3.3 inches of water with 2' of settling storm snow.  Mazama saw 18" over this period.  The storm ended with extreme westerly winds that transported significant snow at all elevations on the 7th and 8th. In the Highway 20 corridor observers noted a widespread cycle with avalanches up to D2.5.  Slab avalanches were reported at low elevations in the eastern part of the zone. An even more widespread cycle occurred at lower elevations and in sagebrush country in the East Central zone, including in places like along Hwy 97A above the Columbia River.  If you get out, be sure to let us know what you find, and share reports of weak and/or faceted surface conditions ahead of this next round of snow.