Conditions will be most elevated above treeline, where you may be able to trigger avalanches in recently drifted snow. Warm temperatures will keep snow surfaces moist at middle and lower elevations. Take time to make your own observations and look for recent avalanches as a sign that dangerous conditions may still exist.
Look for actively blowing snow or signs of recent drifting. Watch for shooting cracks and small test slopes that slide easily. If you see these clues, stick to slopes under 35 degrees and steer around thicker areas of wind-drifted slabs. Slab avalanches in recent snow will be bigger and easier to trigger above treeline.
You may still find weak, wet snow at middle and lower elevations. If you find areas of unsupportive wet snow, stick to slopes less than 35 degrees.
During this wet and soggy storm, observations have been limited. Stevens Pass Ski Patrol reported 2 large (D2) natural wet avalanches ran on Friday in closed terrain on Cowboy Mtn, northerly aspect near treeline. Observers in the Skyline lake area noted roller balls, moist surfaces and small loose wet avalanches in steep terrain.
This recent storm system has created significantly different avalanche conditions in different zones. Visibility still hasn't allowed us to take stock of recent avalanche activity. If you see avalanches, let us know by submitting an observation.
