There is variability across this region, but one similarity is the presence of a persistent weak layer.
Be patient. Continually assess as you travel, and choose conservative terrain.
Most exposed terrain holds wind slabs of varying vintage, mostly older and less reactive. Importantly, if triggered, wind slabs may step down to deeper layers, causing larger, more destructive avalanches.
A faceted lower snowpack presents a persistent slab problem. This basal layer may be triggered by cornice fall or the weight of a rider in shallow snowpack areas or on steep features where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.
No new avalanches have been reported.
Aerial observations in White Pass on Thursday included several recent natural persistent slabs to size 2.5, mainly on southeast to southwest aspects.
Roughly 10 cm of snow has incrementally accumulated over a layer of surface hoar that has been growing in the high alpine, although southerly winds may have damaged these unwanted grains on wind-exposed slopes.
New snow has otherwise buried hard, pressed surfaces, wind slab, and sastrugi in exposed terrain. A sun crust should be found on or near the surface of sun-exposed slopes. Forecast winds will lend to these hard surfaces predominating once again. Aside from these less desirable surface conditions, we’ve received reports of good riding on faceted northeast-facing slopes and sheltered terrain at lower elevations.
The lower snowpack is faceted and generally weak, particularly in shallow areas.
Sunday Night
Mostly cloudy. 2 to 5 cm of snow. 30 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.
Monday
Mostly cloudy. 1 cm of snow. 10 km/h north ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.
Tuesday
Mostly cloudy. 2 to 3 cm of snow. 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.
Wednesday
Mostly cloudy. 1 to 4 cm of snow. 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
