East Slopes North

Expect mostly firm and variable surface conditions. Limit your exposure to cornices and glide avalanches. Now is a good time to track surface forms before the next snowfall.

The melt-freeze pattern continues, and observers reported finding schmooey, sun softened slopes on Sunday. Although warm temperatures are in store overnight and into Monday, raditional cooling and long January nights should freeze surfaces well. Avalanche danger is dependent upon how thick the surface freeze becomes, and if that crust breaks down. If you find yourself in deep, punchy, wet snow, then avalanches may become possible. You may also find yourself facing the potential for long slides on firm, icy slopes. Rain to high elevations on the 12th and 13th spurred a cycle of large (D2.5) wet avalanches in many areas including the Cutthroat and Liberty Bell Paths. Very large, deep slab avalanches were spotted in the neighboring West North zone on Friday. Check out the obs page for photos.

Consider other dangers of the mountains in the winter such as cornices and glide avalanches. Observers noted a large crack in a cornice atop Blue Peak on Sunday. Don't linger beneath large alpine features if you suspect glide cracks or cornices above. Firm and icy slopes in many areas may create travel hazards that warrant crampons or ice axes, etc.

From January 5-7th, the Washington Pass area picked up roughly 3.3 inches of water with 2' of settling storm snow.  Mazama saw 18" over this period.  The storm ended with extreme westerly winds that transported significant snow at all elevations on the 7th and 8th. In the Highway 20 corridor observers noted a widespread cycle with avalanches up to D2.5.  Slab avalanches were reported at low elevations in the eastern part of the zone. An even more widespread cycle occurred at lower elevations and in sagebrush country in the East Central zone, including in places like along Hwy 97A above the Columbia River.  If you get out, be sure to let us know what you find, and share reports of weak and/or faceted surface conditions ahead of this next round of snow.