East Slopes Central

Unsettled weather will bring light snow and wind. In the majority of the zone, avalanche conditions will remain generally safe. Near the Cascade Crest, watch for shallow wind slabs above treeline.

 Unsettled weather will continue through the weekend. For Saturday, the zone will see more wind than snow. As local snow accumulations may vary, it's important to make your own observations. If you find areas with more than 4 inches of recent, soft snow, you may be in an area of more elevated avalanche danger.

Watch for very shallow and isolated wind slabs near the Cascade Crest and on high elevation slopes above treeline. If enough sun shines through the clouds, you may see a few small wet loose avalanches on sun-exposed slopes. Earlier this week, observers reported weak snow surfaces from about 6,000ft and above on shaded, northerly slopes. If this layer gets buried by enough snow, it could slide easily. Continue to stay aware of overhead or nearby cornices as well as glide cracks.

A crust and adjacent weak layer, formed in mid-January can still be found about 2-6 feet below the surface throughout most of the zone. This weak layer was responsible for widespread avalanches, up to size D4, as recent as March 1st. Avalanches on this layer are now unlikely, tho they could become an issue with major warming or storm events in the future. The most suspect areas for a deep persistent slab are shallow, rocky, and unsupported slopes, especially where overhead cornice fall could trigger avalanches.