East Slopes Central

While avalanche conditions are generally safe, remember that both wind slab and wet avalanches were recently a concern. Expect another sunny day with cooler temperatures and easterly wind on Saturday. Travel will be variable with firm, slick snow surfaces on sunny slopes and shallow coverage on many slopes.

Overall, avalanches are unlikely on Saturday. While avalanche conditions are generally safe, remember that both wind slab and wet avalanches were recently a concern. Wind slab avalanches had been possible at upper elevations earlier in the week. While the avalanche danger has eased, it's important to keep these recent concerns in mind.  Sun, east wind, and, weakening surfaces on shaded slopes have been the norm for the past few days. You can expect these conditions to continue. Slightly cooler temperatures and wind should keep sunny slopes from softening as much as they did on Friday. Keep an eye on the surface of shaded slopes for weak snow that could be buried by the next storm. Observers have reported widespread surface hoar. 

An observer in the Colchuck Lake area on Thursday found favorable travel conditions and no signs of instability. On Wednesday, observers in the Chiwaukum Range noticed plumes from ridgelines that indicated wind transported snow from south and east winds. Wind slabs were resting on a variety of surfaces, and although no avalanches were triggered, the structure of strong snow over weak snow existed. Before the last snowfall event, widespread surface hoar was found in the North Fork of the Teanaway on all aspects above 5000'. Other observers found surface hoar in places like the Chiwaukum Range as well.  So far, this layer has not been problematic.

Snowpack height and coverage varies significantly across the area. Areas near the cascade crest have a substantially deeper snowpack than low elevations and further east. Use our list of weather stations to check how much snow is on the ground in various locations throughout the area.

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.