East Slopes South

Get ready for another storm cycle with increasing avalanche danger. Strong west winds may form wind slabs further downslope or below ridgelines than usual.  Avoid slopes steeper than 35 degrees in all elevation bands where you find firmer wind-affected snow. 

Wind-affected snow should be easy to find in every elevation band on Thursday.  Fresh wind slabs will likely form further below ridgelines and even on open slopes below treeline as an incoming storm impacts the area with new snow and strong winds.  Avoid all wind-loaded slopes steeper than 35 degrees Wednesday where you are likely to trigger a wind slab avalanche. Cornices will be large and may be easy to trigger along ridgelines.  Give them a wide berth as they often break further back than you expect.  

Under sunny skies Wednesday, observers just east of White Pass surveyed the surrounding Tieton and American River drainages, seeing evidence of recent large avalanches that released earlier in the week.  The avalanches were not as deep or widespread as in zones further north near and east of the Cascade crest.  We still have plenty of uncertainty about deeper weaker layers that may exist in the snowpack.  Limit your exposure to large avalanche paths throughout the upcoming storm cycle.  

An atmospheric river event began Saturday night and lasted through Monday with gradually rising temperatures peaking late Monday morning, pushing rain up to at least 6000' in the zone.  A stout melt-freeze crust will likely be found (2/22) under the most recent snow near and below treeline, but this crust may phase out above treeline.   A thinner sun crust likely formed on steep southerly aspects Wednesday.  Winds at the neighboring White Pass 6000' station showed gusts up to 100 mph Monday evening and remained strong to extreme out of the west through Tuesday.  Over a 3 day period, Snotels have averaged about 1.00 -1.80 of water across the zone.  We estimate 4-12" of snow has accumulated since snow levels dropped Monday afternoon in non-wind-affected areas with higher totals near the Cascade crest.  

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.