East Slopes Central

Light snow and increasing wind won't be enough to raise the avalanche danger. Under a dusting of snow most surfaces are firm and slick. Consider consequences and make sure you can stop a fall before committing to large steep slopes.

On Sunday, you may find shallow areas of weak snow on the surface and very small and isolated pockets of wind drifted snow above treeline. It may be difficult to trigger avalanches and any snow sliding down the slope will be inconsequential. You can expect light snow and an increase in southwesterly wind. Wind transported snow should be minimal. Recently observers have reported facets and surface hoar just over a surface crust. As light snow accumulates on top, it may slide easily down steep slopes. There's older and unreactive wind drifted snow above treeline which formed on the 17th and 18th. If you find signs of more recently drifted snow, it's a good idea to limit your exposure to avalanche terrain and steer around typical trigger points and loaded features. On a variety of slopes and especially at lower elevations a near-surface crust is firm and supportive on skis and boards. Around the Chiwawa drainage and north, the crust is breakable and less supportive. Use caution near steep slopes where you find icy and slick surfaces. Make sure you can arrest a fall and avoid slopes where a slip could cause injury. 

A major storm delivered heavy snow and rain to the East Central zone from January 11-13.  The Sasse Ridge Snotel picked up almost 5" of water(!) over the event.  Over 2 feet of new snow fell before the switch to rain on the 12th.  Further east, Mission Ridge followed a similar trend but only tallied 2.5" of water over the same period.  Large and destructive avalanches ran on the 12th, both as storm slabs and later as wet snow avalanches. In the nearby Stevens Pass zone, every avalanche path had at least one, if not multiple avalanches in it. In the East North zone observers reported avalanches up to D3.5 near Washington Pass,(big enough to break mature timber and bury cars) including an avalanche that hit a closed portion of Highway 20, below Delancey Ridge. 

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.