West Slopes North

Use normal caution when traveling in avalanche terrain. Identify slopes holding wind drifted snow and assess for instability before entering steep, consequential terrain with gullies, cliffs, trees or rocks in the runout. Steep slopes facing the sun, especially around rocks and cliffs, may shed rollerballs or small wet avalanches midday if it warms enough. 

Avalanche danger is probably minimal on Tuesday. However, just because the danger is LOW doesn't guarantee you won't find any avalanches. This is especially the case if you're pushing into complex and challenging terrain that we don't usually get out to in January because it's uncommon to have such long dry periods with low danger.

Varying amounts of wind transport were reported in the last few days, with noticeable wind drifting observed on Sunday (OBSERVATION). Small but reactive wind slabs were found in steep leeward terrain by a forecaster in the Baker backcountry on Monday. More wind is expected on Tuesday. New drifts could sit over weak layers and may be touchy. Search for smooth, drifted snow and investigate them before entering high consequence terrain to see how easily they'll slide. Even a small slide wouldn't be ideal if you'll get sent off a cliff or strained through rocks or trees. 

Steep sunny slopes may soften. Rollerballs or small wet avalanches could result. Or more likely, any firm surfaces may not be as hard underfoot. 

Any soft snow or thin crusts on or near the surface on all aspects is weakening with the cooler temperatures and predominantly clear skies. The top foot or so of snow is faceting (weakening), surface hoar is forming on the surface, and crusts that we've been tracking (predominantly the 1/10 crust up to 2ft deep) is breaking down and faceting. Once we receive more snow, the weak surface layers will likely lead to a very touchy snowpack and large avalanches that don't go away quickly like most of the avalanche problems we've had this winter. 

THIS observation from Sunday sums up a lot of what's we're noticing right now during backcountry outings.  Another observation HERE displays how one group's discovery of many different snow varieties led to challenging and concerning travel conditions for their Mt Ann attempt, resulting in a retreat.

You can find nearly anything for snow conditions out there depending on where you travel. There are soft and hard wind slabs and wind swept areas. Hard crusts exist beneath soft snow or wind slabs, or on the surface. Some crusts may be smooth, whereas others may be very irregular and bumpy. Wind-sheltered north-facing aspects still have nice soft snow. Prepare for all snow varieties during your outing.