The Bottom Line: Incremental loading has stressed multiple persistent weak layers. Continue to use caution around slopes over 35 degrees. Avoid avalanche terrain if you see cracks breaking in the snow or feel collapses.
Snow and Avalanche Discussion
Widespread avalanches occurred late late last week into the weekend. On Saturday, Mission Ridge Ski Patrol triggered multiple avalanches up to 3 feet deep on northwest through northeast aspects between 6-6500ft. To the north, a skier was caught and carried in an avalanche in the Cutthroat drainage near Washington Pass.
Recently buried layer of large surface hoar (1/17). Where a slab sits over this layer, expect dangerous conditions to exist.
Avalanche Problems
Persistent Slabs
Put a large buffer of terrain between where you travel and any avalanche path. Slides may wrap around terrain features and surprise you and your group.
While natural activity has stopped you can still trigger dangerous avalanches on a series of weak layers. To the east the main concern lies in triggering the whole snowpack to the ground. Further west, the main layer of concern is surface hoar that was buried on the 17th. You can find this most readily on sheltered, shaded slopes, above the valley floor. Small and large snowpack test can help you identify this weak layer and gather information. Lack of evidence in one profile or snowpack test shouldn't be a reason to travel in more consequential terrain.
Aspects:
All aspects.
Elevations:
All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 3 - 3
Wind Slabs
Gusty winds drifted snow on Saturday. These avalanches are now harder to trigger, but not impossible. Look for drifts and firm snow that was redistributed by wind. The main concern is where these drifted features are resting on persistent weak layers. If you find this layering combination, you should avoid slopes 35 degrees and steeper.
