Avalanche danger is expected to rise at all aspects and elevations throughout the day with rising freezing levels and periods of sun.
Plan your day with these changing conditions in mind.
At higher elevations, isolated wind slabs remain possible in leeward and cross-loaded terrain. A buried layer of surface hoar may exist beneath (30 to 80 cm deep) wind slabs on shaded, northerly slopes, immediately beneath ridge tops.
Rising freezing levels and strong sun will weaken the upper snowpack, increasing the likelihood of wet loose avalanches. Avoid traveling beneath large slopes when they are exposed to the sun.
On Wednesday in White Pass, numerous recent natural wind slab avalanches up to size 2 were observed. A natural cornice failure (size 2.5) was also noted along a northeast ridgeline. Additionally, a larger avalanche (size 3) was reported on an east aspect, where a wind slab stepped down to a buried surface hoar layer.
If you’re heading into the backcountry, please consider submitting a MIN report—observations are particularly limited this time of year.
Generally, southerly to westerly winds have redistributed the upper snowpack in alpine terrain, potentially scouring exposed terrain and creating isolated wind slabs in leeward terrain. In some areas, a layer of surface hoar may persist beneath these slabs approximately 30 to 60 cm deep. This layer appears most reactive on shaded, north-facing slopes, particularly just below ridgetop features.
A variety of firm or crusty surfaces is likely on south-facing and lower-elevation terrain due to warming and solar input.
The lower snowpack remains weak and faceted, particularly in areas with a shallow overall snowpack.
Thursday Night
Mostly cloudy. 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1400 m.
Friday
Mostly cloudy. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 2200 m.
Saturday
Mostly sunny. 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 2400 m.
Sunday
Sunny. 10 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 1 °C. Freezing level 1700 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
