East Slopes Central

Avalanche conditions are generally safe. New accumulations have been light across the zone, but winds have been strong enough that you may find small, isolated wind slabs in exposed terrain. Keep an eye out for these slabs in bigger terrain where a small avalanche could be consequential.  Low snow and refrozen surfaces may continue to be your bigger hazard. 

Tuesday will bring a rinse-and-repeat of Monday. Freezing levels may rise slightly, but with little new snow, this should have minimal impact on avalanche danger. Weather stations recorded a period of strong southwest winds late Sunday evening into early Monday, which may have redistributed small amounts of recent snow in exposed terrain. Watch for small wind slabs, especially in areas where even a minor avalanche could have serious consequences. Some of these isolated slabs may remain sensitive, depending on the surface they formed over.

The robust 3/25 crust continues to limit deeper avalanche concerns, but it’s also creating slick travel conditions. If you head out on Tuesday, consider bringing traction and a self-arrest tool, especially in steeper terrain. Expect some wet snow to develop on sun-exposed slopes as daytime heating increases.

Last week, an NWAC forecaster in the French Cabin area (observation here) found fresh wind-affected snow along ridgelines. Nearby observations included natural and human-triggered wind slabs at upper elevations, including a skier-triggered slab near Chair Peak at Snoqualmie Pass on Friday. Limited access means sparse data from upper elevations in East Central. While wind slabs are likely isolated and harder to trigger now, uncertainty remains—make frequent observations and use caution before committing to steep, wind-loaded alpine terrain.

Recent rain, warm temps, and sun have created widespread non-avalanche hazards. Expect open creeks, holes, and exposed logs and rocks—especially at lower elevations and on south-facing slopes. Travel carefully and plan for difficult access.

Are you heading out into the mountains?  Let us know what you see by submitting an observation here or on the AvyApp.