Stevens Pass

Temperatures are cooling, leading to low avalanche danger on Wednesday. A couple inches of snow may fall during the day, but it is not expected to increase the avalanche danger yet. Travel cautiously, as a hard crust will probably exist in most areas.

I went up Mt McCausland on Tuesday morning, where I found a solid 4 inch freeze overnight on all surfaces that had previously been wet. This includes all areas aside from upper elevation north aspects. Those north slopes still held onto cold, dry snow. The direct sunlight warmed snow quickly, and by 9am east aspects had a few inches of soft corn, and by 11am this was the case on southerly slopes and lower elevations. At 5400ft on a SE aspect the top 4+ feet was moist melt forms. On a due north slope at 5700ft I only found dry snow. That area is still hanging onto winter for now. 

Warm, sunny weather is on hold for a couple days. The associated wet snow avalanche concerns decreased as the freezing levels drop. Stay alert for them at lower elevations if snow softens in that area. 

Other springtime hazards to maintain awareness of are glide avalanches, which are uncommon but still may occur. If you see glide cracks, limit your time on slopes beneath them. The Snoqualmie area has seen several recently, and I spotted a glide avalanche on a south-facing aspect around 4500 feet when I was out. Cornices continue to pose a threat, so limit your time on slopes under them, and never stand anywhere near their edge.  

During the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, continue to follow the latest guidance from local, state, and federal health officials. Avoid unnecessary risks that could impact first responders and stress medical resources.  Wear a mask when appropriate, practice social distancing, and consider recreating closer to home.