East Slopes North

The avalanche danger is now Low though there may be small, isolated wind slabs lingering above treeline. You may find shallow and weak snow in the eastern end of the zone. You'll find a variety of surface conditions including crusts and wind-affected snow.

There are some small wind slabs lingering above treeline from westerly winds on the 17th and 18th. These avalanches will now be difficult to trigger and will be isolated to pockets in the terrain.  If you find signs of recently drifted snow, it's still a good idea to limit your exposure to avalanche terrain and steer around typical trigger points and loaded features. No new avalanches were reported on Thursday. On Tuesday, observers reported a recent looking slab in extreme terrain above treeline. On Monday, a skier triggered a small slab in the alpine near Washington Pass. A glide avalanche was also observed from a solar aspect near Kangaroo that day. 

In general, the snowpack around Washington Pass is strong and relatively deep.  In the eastern part of the zone, you'll find a shallower and possibly weaker snowpack. An observer found buried weak layers in the Chelan-Sawtooth Mountains near Chelan on the 16th. Areas like the eastern Chelan-Sawtooth Mountains, and the Twisp River, Eight Mile, and Chewuch drainages could hold persistent weak layers and more dangerous conditions. If you travel in these eastern mountains, take time to dig in the snow and look for weak layers. Look and listen for signs of instability such as shooting cracks and whumphs. If you find these signs, avoid large, open slopes steeper than 35 degrees. 

On the night of January 12th, A major avalanche cycle was brought on by heavy snow and rain. Observers reported many large to very large avalanches up to D3 in size (big enough to break mature timber and bury cars). An avalanche hit a closed portion of Highway 20, below Delancey Ridge, running over 3,000ft and depositing debris that was 9 feet deep in places. Evidence of this avalanche cycle can still be seen in the mountains. 

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.