East Slopes South

Slab avalanches within fresh or recent snow layers will be dangerous near and above treeline. At the highest elevations where you don't find a crust within the upper snowpack, slopes are primed for dangerous human triggered avalanches and will be stressed by the new snow Tuesday night into Wednesday. Steer clear of slopes steeper than 30 degrees on Wednesday at upper elevations in the northern portions of this zone which may behave similarly to the Wenatchee Mountains due to very large avalanches and widespread collapsing.

Crusts formed January 1st up to 6000-6500 ft and then again on January 4th up to 5500 ft or so. This leaves us to believe that recent snow layers and thick wind slabs are the primary problems in most terrain, particularly near treeline.

You could trigger thick and cohesive windslabs in areas exposed to the wind. Look for shooting cracks and other signs of instability such as whumphing collapses or recent avalanches. If a steep open slope appears to have a firm or hollow sounding snow and is near or above treeline, avoid it, and steer clear of going underneath them. Cornices may easily break off and trigger avalanches on the slopes below as well. Recent windslabs have been very wide, and they will only be deeper and wider on Wednesday. There are a number of potential weak layers to be concerned about, so it will be best to stay off of, and out from underneath steep wind loaded slopes. 

With all the deep new snow, loose dry avalanches may run easily outside of wind affected areas on Wednesday. Look for these fan-shaped slides that start from a point (also known as point releases). In steep terrain, these could entrain lots of snow, and create large avalanches. Roof avalanches may continue for towns like Leavenworth, where rain on snow is falling.

Above treeline, heavy slabs from solid dumps of snow the past few days are sitting over weak, sugary snow and crusts from December. Don't trust big, open slopes above treeline. Keep your distance from slopes 30 degrees and steeper that are big enough to produce a large avalanche. The most dangerous slopes will be steep, open starting zones. The next couple of days will be a good time to be patient, and stay off of steep, open slopes at upper elevations as the storms continue to stress these deep weak layers. 

Snow cover at upper elevations is increasing but remains shallow below treeline and at all elevations further east and away from the Cascade Crest. Typical early season hazards are still in play and you'll likely encounter open creeks and exposed stumps and rocks. 

Check the media gallery for updated photos of Mt Aix, Mt Darland and Pinegrass Ridge taken from White Pass.

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.

MEDIA