East Slopes Central

Avalanche conditions are generally safe. Triggering older wind drifted snow and deeper weak layers is unlikely.  The sun may soften southerly sun-exposed slopes but most snow surfaces will remain firm and slick. 

Sun on Saturday may soften southerly slopes. You can find slippery and firm surface crusts in many parts of the zone. One observer reported firm and icy slopes above 8,000ft in the Stuart Range. In the upper Chiwawa drainage, an observer found breakable crust from 5,500 to 6,500ft and soft snow with isolated wind drifting. At most lower elevation slopes, the crust is supportive on skis and boards. Use caution near steep slopes where you find an icy and slick surface crust. Make sure you can arrest a fall and avoid slopes where a slip could cause injury. 

A major storm delivered heavy snow and rain to the East Central zone from January 11-13.  The Sasse Ridge Snotel picked up almost 5" of water(!) over the event.  Over 2 feet of new snow fell before the switch to rain on the 12th.  Further east, Mission Ridge followed a similar trend but only tallied 2.5" of water over the same period.  Large and destructive avalanches ran on the 12th, both as storm slabs and later as wet snow avalanches. In the nearby Stevens Pass zone, every avalanche path had at least one, if not multiple avalanches in it. In the East North zone observers reported avalanches up to D3.5 near Washington Pass,(big enough to break mature timber and bury cars) including an avalanche that hit a closed portion of Highway 20, below Delancey Ridge. 

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.