East Slopes South

Large slab avalanches are still possible Saturday on steep slopes where wind-blown snow has accumulated especially near the Cascade crest.  Areas further from the east and at higher elevations may resemble dangerous avalanche conditions found in the Wenatchee Mountains. Check the East Central forecast for more details.  

Steer around steep open slopes near and especially above treeline where recent winds will have created deeper drifts near the Cascade crest.  It's here you may trigger a large slab avalanche within the recent snowfall.  Cornices may easily break off and trigger avalanches on the slopes below.  Give them a wide berth if traveling along ridgelines. Shallow pockets of fresh wind slabs formed Friday and will remain sensitive Saturday.

Cool temperatures and high clouds building in the afternoon should limit warming and the effect the sun has on the snow surface, however, if you notice temperatures above freezing, wet snow surfaces, roller balls beginning to form, or trees dripping, you may be able to trigger loose wet avalanches. This will be most likely at middle elevations and on steep slopes receiving direct sunshine. If you see evidence of weakening snow surfaces, avoid slopes steeper than 35 degrees and unsupported slopes such as those above cliffs and creeks.

In the nearby Wenatchee mountains,  large and deadly avalanches are likely to be triggered by a backcountry traveler.  In parts of the East South that are at higher elevations and further east of the Crest (areas with a shallower and colder snowpack), you may find similar conditions. Here the worry is that you can trigger an avalanche that releases down to old weak snow near the ground or a crust formed in early December.  This setup is especially dangerous because up to recently, many areas barely had enough snow to warrant avalanche concerns. 

-Previous weather history-

Following an extended storm cycle that lasted over a week, East South Snotels (Green Lake,  Lost Horse) picked up 2-3" of water equivalent while Bumping Ridge picked up a whopping 4.5" of WE(!) with temperatures at all of the stations near and occasionally above freezing during the storm events.  You'll likely be able to identify crusts in the upper snowpack throughout much of the terrain following rain events on January 1st up to 6000-6500 ft and then again on January 4th up to 5500 ft or so.  

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.