Central Cascades

Avalanches will continue to be unlikely on Thursday. Despite the unlikelihood, hazards still exist in the backcountry. It is always wise to carry avalanche rescue gear and use safe travel practices when moving through terrain.

Clear nights have allowed for a consistent overnight freeze over the last several days despite warm air temperatures. This, along with the low (and short lived) January sun, seems to have prevented much wet loose avalanche activity during this warm spell. Our current melt freeze cycle has resulted in some surprisingly good corn skiing on sun exposed slopes, despite relatively thin coverage on South and West facing slopes in particular.  Wind protected North slopes continue to harbor cold and drier (often faceted) surface snow, with shaded alpine slopes ranging from chalky windbuff to firm ice surfaces. Needless to say, it's currently a bit of a mixed bag of surface snow conditions out there. But, if you are careful with your timing and/or terrain choices, there is still good skiing to be had. Be safe and make the most of this January sunshine!