East Slopes Central

Tuesday will be a transition day as we replace the recent clear sunny skies with high clouds and chilly easterly winds. Surfaces will probably remain icy and firm throughout the day, so make sure to bring appropriate equipment to prevent long sliding falls. 

We'll begin to see a transition in the weather on Tuesday, with increasing high clouds as a frontal system moves into the region. Unfortunately, this first storm won't bring much precipitation to the east slopes of the Cascades. We'll have to wait until later in the week for that. 

 Dangerously slick rain and melt freeze crusts are widespread throughout the zone. A long, uncontrolled fall could go from bad to worse if you run into rocks, cliffs, trees, or creeks. Stack the odds in your favor by carrying equipment to arrest a fall and know how to use it. Don't forget to wear your helmet, too!

While surface crust formation is widespread, there is significant variability in the snowpack and snow surfaces. Surface crusts can range from less than 1 inch to 8 inches thick, depending on aspect. On northerly aspects, crust are weakening along with the snow below. In many areas, weal, faceted snow exists below and in between these melt-freeze crusts in the upper snowpack.   Surface hoar has also been observed in sheltered, shaded terrain throughout the zone. While this doesn't really mean anything regarding avalanche hazard right now, these layers could become problematic once buried. It's worth taking note of these weak surface forms or slippery crusts, they could be problematic for future avalanches. 

Then there's dry ground across many low-elevation or south-facing slopes, reminiscent of early-season conditions. Some areas, like the Wenatchees, lack consistent snow coverage for on-snow recreation altogether. Plan ahead for challenging travel and keep a watchful eye out for exposed obstacles and open creeks.