East Slopes North

While avalanche concerns are minimal, you will still encounter other hazards on Saturday. Frigid temperatures combined with a stiff breeze and variable travel will be the most prominent concerns. So bring extra warm layers and allow for extra time to negotiate breakable crusts. 

Saturday will be cold, with temperatures in the single digits at many locations and additional wind chill factors from a moderate breeze. With this combination, don't expect much softening of the icy surfaces on southern slopes. Consider bringing extra layers for warmth. Temperatures will moderate during the day and gradually warm further on Sunday. Travel isn't all bad, but to find the soft, dry snow, you'll have to negotiate breakable crusts of varying thicknesses, so give yourself some extra travel time to account for these tricky conditions.

An NWAC Observer in the Harts Pass area found isolated areas of cold, dry, recycled powder (weak, sugary, faceted snow) on sheltered northern aspects.  But overall surface conditions are quite variable. Southern aspects harbor a 1 inch thick breakable crust with preserved faceted snow above and below. This weak snow is more prominent on west and east aspects where the crust is thinner. More exposed areas in shady terrain are plagued by stiff wind-affected snow of varying thicknesses. They did report touchy but small, dry loose avalanches running in the weak, sugary snow on steep north aspects. 

This prolonged cold and dry period has caused the snow surface to weaken significantly. You can find plenty of surface hoar and/or near surface facets in areas that don’t receive direct sunshine. These aren’t an issue now but are worth monitoring as we continue to await our next real storm.