East Slopes North

You may still find an isolated, shallow wind slab above treeline. Snow surfaces are variable and often wind affected at upper elevations. Areas on the eastern edge of the zone may harbor persistent weak layers, so travel with caution there. 

Observers reported ski triggering a small windslab pocket above treeline on Monday. At upper elevations, you may find more of these isolated areas of firmer wind slab from strong winds over the weekend. Use caution in steep terrain if you find fresh looking drifts or firm and hollow sounding snow. Consider the consequences of a small avalanche in extreme terrain or near terrain traps like cliff bands.  

A recent glide avalanche was also observed on Monday from a solar aspect near Kangaroo. While this seems like an outlier, large, cliffy features do hold lots of recent snow. Pillows and pockets of slab like this may shed spontaneously or with strong sun. 

An observer found a very different snowpack in the Chelan-Sawtooth Mountains near Chelan on the 16th. If heading out east of about Mazama, be prepared to make your own assessment. In places such as the Chelan-Sawtooth and eastern Twisp River drainages the snowpack may be much more shallow (less than 6ft deep) at upper elevations, and may harbor persistent weak layers. Look and listen for signs of instability as you travel such as shooting cracks and whumphs. If you find these signs, steer away from committing, steep slopes. 

From January 11th to 13th a major storm delivered heavy snow and even some rain at lower and mid-elevations to the region. The Harts Pass Snotel picked up about 2.7" of water over the event.  Very large and destructive avalanches ran through entire avalanche paths. The avalanche cycle occurred on the night of the 12th. Observers reported avalanches to at D3 in size (big enough to break mature timber and bury cars) including an avalanche that hit a closed portion of Highway 20, below Delancey Ridge. This avalanche ran over 3,000ft and formed debris piles that were 9 feet deep in places. 

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.