East Slopes North

Light snow and increasing wind won't be enough to raise the avalanche danger. You'll find variable surface conditions and areas of older wind drifted snow above treeline.  On the eastern end of the zone, shallower and weaker snow can be found. 

On Sunday, you may find shallow areas of weak snow on the surface and very small and isolated pockets of wind drifted snow above treeline. It will be difficult to trigger avalanches and any snow sliding down the slope will be inconsequential. You can expect light snow and an increase in southwesterly wind. Wind transported snow should be minimal. Recently observers have reported facets on the snow surface and widespread surface hoar below treeline. As light snow accumulates on top, it may slide easily down steep slopes. There's older wind drifted snow above treeline which is now unreactive.  This formed from westerly winds on the 17th and 18th. If you find signs of more recently drifted snow, it's a good idea to limit your exposure to avalanche terrain and steer around typical trigger points and loaded features. 

Observers reported a few small wind slab avalanches on Monday and Tuesday on leeward slopes above treeline on Washington Pass. In general, the snowpack near and just east of the pass is strong and relatively deep.  In the eastern part of the zone, you'll find a shallower and possibly weaker snowpack. An observer found buried weak layers in the Chelan-Sawtooth Mountains near Chelan on the 16th. If you travel in the eastern mountains, such as the Chelan-Sawtooth Mountains or the Twisp River, Eight Mile, and Chewuch drainages, take time to dig in the snow and look for older weak layers. Look and listen for signs of instability such as shooting cracks and whumphs. If you find these signs, avoid large, open slopes steeper than 35 degrees. 

On Saturday, NWAC and WSDOT forecasters teamed up to work on the Washington Pass weather station. Near the top of the pass, they found facets forming on or just under the snow surface along with large, old avalanche debris in the Liberty Bell avalanche paths. On the night of January 12th, a major avalanche cycle was brought on by heavy snow and rain. Observers reported many large to very large avalanches, up to D3 in size (big enough to break mature timber and bury cars). Evidence of this avalanche cycle can still be seen in the mountains. 

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.