West Slopes Central

Temperatures are beginning to cool, but increasing clouds may keep snow surfaces moist. After several days of intense sun, southerly slopes where loose wet avalanches ran are mostly adjusted, although a small number may still occur. You might find difficult travel conditions on Sunday with firm or breakable crusts, and areas of sticky snow.

You may still see or trigger wet loose avalanches, although with the temperature spike on Saturday, likelihood is trending down. Snow surfaces could have stayed soft overnight with the increased cloud cover. There is a small chance that overcast skies may moisten the previously dry north facing snow surface. If this is the case, rollerballs and small wet loose avalanches might occur on northerly slopes. 

If you are considering complex north-facing terrain at higher elevations, stay alert for the odd wind slab, which may still react to your weight in isolated areas. The other notable concern is cornice fall. I hiked up to Heather Lake near Mt Pilchuck on Saturday and heard at least three loud booming noises indicating falling cornices. I was unable to see them falling, nor did I notice any large recent avalanches on the slopes (there were some large avalanches which probably occurred March 5 in the cirque, coated with several inches of new snow). There is a chance that a cornice could trigger a wind slab that wouldn’t react otherwise, or a deeper avalanche on large, exposed upper elevation slopes. For this reason be very wary around cornices, staying far back from their edges and limit your exposure beneath corniced ridgelines.

Travel conditions may challenge you, as frozen southerly and low elevation surfaces will be slick, or bumpy with avalanche debris. You will probably also find punchy crusts and sticky snow as well. 

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.