West Slopes South

Cooling temperatures should help to further stabilize the snowpack and allow generally safe avalanche conditions to persist. Continue to make your own observations and be aware of changes in the snowpack due to unpredictable springtime weather. 

After a number of warm and sunny days this week, we expect freezing levels to start to lower and to eventually drop toward 3000’ on Sunday. This cooling trend should help to stabilize the upper snowpack as it freezes from the top down. Until we reach that point, the chance for some wet avalanches will remain, largely due to light rain at middle and lower elevations overnight Saturday into the morning hours on Sunday. At upper elevations, any precipitation will be light snow and shouldn’t be enough to drive much of a hazard. That said, keep an eye out for shallow pockets of wind-drifted snow that could sweep you off your feet if you travel to the highest peaks or find yourself in extreme terrain.

As we continue to make our transition toward a springtime snowpack, remember that conditions can change quickly and may vary greatly depending on aspect or elevation. Below the firm surface crusts expected on most aspects, a layered and cold dry snowpack still exists. Slab avalanches or entrainment of this snow is possible given a large trigger in the correct location. One of those triggers could be a cornice, many of which have started to sag with this week’s warmer weather. Avoid traveling on and limiting your exposure traveling below cornices. They are unpredictable and often break back further than expected. A similar approach can be taken near glide slopes. Some isolated glide avalanches occurred in the neighboring Snoqualmie Pass zone on Saturday, reminding us that low danger doesn’t mean no danger. 

During the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, continue to follow the latest guidance from local, state, and federal health officials. Avoid unnecessary risks that could impact first responders and stress medical resources.  Wear a mask when appropriate, practice social distancing, and consider recreating closer to home.