East Slopes South

Use the depth of recent snow above the most recent crust or interface to avoid wind-loaded drifts where you can trigger a shallow slab. Reduce your exposure to large avalanche slopes, particularly where cornices might fall and trigger a deep slab avalanche. These avalanches remain very low likelihood, but very high consequence.

The last very large, deep slab avalanches were reported around a week ago in the southern and central Cascades.  Some of these monsters released naturally several days after the most recent significant winter storm.  Most recently and closest to the East South zone, a large to very large avalanche naturally released on Spiral Butte, just east of White Pass Monday (3/1). Very large deep slab avalanches (D3-D3.5) released naturally in the Crystal Mt backcountry last Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (2/26-2/28).  Each passing day without reported avalanche activity adds to our confidence and we've dropped the problem in some zones. We've had reports of a recent sudden planar result on the mid-January crust-facet interface in the Wenatchee Mountains and you can read more about it in the Cascades East Central zone forecast. At this point these avalanches are a very low likelihood event, but with devastating consequences, so we think it should remain part of any trip plan discussion and that you should continue to mitigate your exposure to large avalanche paths.

Peaks closer to the Cascade crest picked up a few inches of fresh snow driven by steady west winds Saturday and Sunday. Expect to find shallow recent wind slabs and cornices on lee slopes near ridge crests with less wind-affected snow on top. To avoid a wind slab problem, steer around slopes steeper than 35 degrees where you find 6" or more of dry snow above recent crust or old snow interfaces. Pay particular attention on slopes below sensitive cornices and give these features some space while traveling along ridgelines.

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.