The Bottom Line: Uncertainty exists as to how the snowpack will respond to another day of sun and warm temperatures. Wet avalanche activity may continue on steep sun-exposed slopes. At the highest elevations, wind slabs still linger in isolated areas but are stubborn to trigger.
Snow and Avalanche Discussion
Spring-like temperatures thawed snow surfaces throughout the region. Wet loose avalanches were reported in adjacent zones on Saturday. Observations continue to indicate variable travel conditions with supportable and breakable crusts. Expect to find crusts to ridgeline on sunny aspects, and up to 6000ft on northerly aspects. A slight cooling trend on Sunday may keep snow surfaces firm and limit additional wet avalanche activity.
Wet loose avalanche on the east face of Mt. Herman in the Mt. Baker area. 01/26/19 Zach McGill photo
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Winds slabs that formed during the mid-week storm still exist above treeline. Although these slabs have gained strength over the past few days, you may still be able to trigger them in isolated upper elevation areas - on very steep slopes, near convex rollovers, or just below cornices. Encountering the problem will become more likely the higher in elevation you travel, especially in north facing terrain. Look for rounded pillows of snow, textured snow surfaces, wind-sculpted features, and hollow sounding snow as signs that wind slabs may exist nearby. Carefully evaluate wind-loaded slopes and terrain features 35 degrees and steeper.
