East Slopes North

The avalanche danger remains Low while we wait for a change in the weather pattern.  Be prepared for variable surfaces, including firm snow.  Carry the proper tools to self-arrest a slip and fall or avoid steep slick slopes altogether.  

A weak weather disturbance brought cloud cover and westerly winds, helping to temporarily mix out colder air at lower elevations/valleys, with Mazama and Washington Pass Base weather stations climbing out of the ice box and into the upper 20s/low 30s Monday afternoon. 

Travel conditions are variable to put it kindly right now.  Rough textured surfaces at all elevations, including old rain runnels/rills, crusts of varying thickness, and firm and even icy snow are some of the conditions you might encounter.  Steep south-facing aspects that had softened during periods of milder, sunnier weather won't soften on Tuesday with cool temps and an abundance of high cloud cover.  Avalanches are unlikely, but it's worth keeping an eye on slopes above you for large cornices. While a falling cornice is unlikely, they are still large and overhung.  For human-powered travel, it's a good idea to carry crampons (for skis and/or boots) and a self-arrest tool.  Although crusts should be the main surface you encounter, you might find weakening surfaces on shaded slopes. 

We're inching towards a pattern change and an incoming storm cycle.  If you're out, take the time to track potential weak surfaces that may become buried by new snow later this week.  On Sunday, an NWAC Forecaster near Cutthroat Lake found widespread surface hoar below the inversion line, and that shaded, northerly aspects had a thin, weak surface crust with faceted grains beneath.  Southerly aspects above recent inversions had a supportable melt-freeze crust and a strong upper snowpack.