East Slopes North

While the mountains are never completely free of danger, avalanche conditions are generally safe.  If the sun comes out Sunday afternoon, watch for a chance of small wet avalanches on steep sunny slopes. In general, cooler and unsettled weather will limit concerns for avalanches. 

While wet avalanches are unlikely, there are some factors to keep in mind. If you do find wet weak surface snow, consider moving to slopes less than 35 degrees. Some slopes, especially at low elevations, may not fully freeze Saturday night. Wet avalanches could occur if the sun shines on slopes that receive a couple of inches or more of snow. However, I don't expect this to happen.  Unsettled weather will bring clouds, wind, cooler daytime temperatures, and up to an inch of new snow. West of Washington Pass more snow could fall. The sun may break through the clouds on Sunday afternoon, especially in the eastern half of the zone. 

The last storm finished up on the 29th and left around a foot of new snow at Washington Pass. Since mid-week, wet avalanches have run in the recent snow on sun-exposed slopes. North aspects may still hold dry snow, but the sun has formed crusts on all other slopes. Since the beginning of March, the region has undergone a slow warming trend. Observers have reported sagging cornices with sporadic cornice fall. Glide cracks have released in some areas (see photo from Cutthroat below). The lower snowpack is generally well settled in the zone.