East Slopes North

While conditions are generally safe, you could encounter small avalanches in wind-drifted terrain or loose avalanches running on underlying crusts. Consider the consequences of even very small avalanches when traveling in extremely steep terrain.

The east north zone didn't get much snow from this storm, just a dusting. But winds were blowing overnight, drifting soft snow around. While new wind slabs aren't a concern, a skier-triggered wind slab on Sunday indicates that small, older wind slabs are still lingering around in upper elevations. So consider the risk before committing to consequential terrain. Even these small avalanches can cause serious injuries if you're pushed into rocks or over cliffs. Weak, faceted snow or surface hoar may exist on shady northern aspects at mid and upper elevations. With snow on the way for Wednesday, now is a good time to track surface conditions and the bond to the underlying crust. As we enter spring, these weak layers can be more isolated and tricky to pin down.   

In sheltered areas at mid and upper elevations, ~8-14" of settled storm snow from last week sits above the most recent crust.  In exposed locations, the recent snow is heavily wind-affected, and on sunny slopes, slick crusts are the main snow surface you'll encounter. 

After several days of sunshine and diurnal spring temperature swings, you're likely to encounter variable surface conditions, including newly formed surface crusts, that vary across aspect and elevation. Snow cover is thin on southerly slopes and at low elevations. Be aware of exposed rocks and open creeks. WSDOT has begun plowing operations on Hwy 20 between Silver Star trailhead and Newhalem. The road will be closed to all traffic on weekdays while workers and machinery are operating.