East Slopes South

It will be easy to trigger large avalanches on Friday. Stay off slopes over 35 degrees with windblown snow, and give cornices wide berth. At lower elevations, rising temperatures will make triggering heavy wet avalanches likely on terrain features over 35 degrees. Use extra caution near terrain traps like cliffs and creeks even a small wet avalanche can be surprisingly powerful.

Strong winds and heavy snowfall built fresh wind slabs through the day Thursday. Observers at nearby White Pass reported easy to trigger avalanches in terrain where wind blown snow accumulated and very sensitive cornices. These slides were running on a weak layer of snow formed on 12/29. It is likely that similar large avalanches remain untriggered. 

Avoid travel on slopes steeper than 35 degrees where windblown snow has accumulated. Cornices are sensitive-give them wide berth and keep out from under them.  Firm and textured snow as well as cracking in the snow are signs you could trigger an avalanche.

At lower elevations and in wind-sheltered areas around 8 inches of recent snow has accumulated.  Snow levels are expected to rise to 5500' Friday and this recent snow will become wet and unstable. With the new snow and rising temperatures, large avalanches will be likely. Watch for signs of warming such as rain, roller balls on the snow surface and trees dripping water to indicate the snow surface weakening. Navigate around slopes steeper than 35 degrees and avoid features such as convex rolls and unsupported slopes like those above cliffs or creeks.

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.