Central Cascades

Triggering an avalanche will be unlikely on Monday. As always, observe the conditions and look for signs of unstable snow on isolated terrain features. 

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for Monday night and into Tuesday. As the storm comes in, look for rising avalanche danger on Tuesday.

Lower elevation snow on Sunday became wet and heavy and some roller balls were observed but no wet avalanches were reported. Surface hoar growth on the surface of the snowpack was observed since the last storm, however moderate to strong upper elevation winds and warm sunny conditions at the lower elevations on Sunday toasted most of the remaining surface hoar out there. 

The incoming storm is not expected to unload the precipitation until late Monday night or early on Tuesday. If the storm comes in earlier than expected and significant snow begins to fall on Monday, recognize that new wind slabs will be the first avalanche problem to materialize with the storm. If more than a few inches of snow lands on the ground by Monday afternoon, be cautious on easterly aspects near and above treeline. Wind slabs will start out small and shallow with the onset of the storm and will grow as the bulk of the precipitation comes in.