East Slopes South

Be careful of steep south-facing slopes in the middle of the day because loose wet slides may run if the sun is out. You could still trigger a windslab near and above treeline where recent drifts rest on a crust. Large persistent slab avalanches may still linger, and if they do, the consequences of triggering one are high.

With fresh low-density snow over a firm crust, warming temperatures, and sun, wet loose avalanches could be your number one hazard on Monday. Expect these to happen on steep slopes that face toward the sun during the middle of the day if the sun is out. Moist, sticky snow, and rollerballs are good indicators that these could happen spontaneously. Time your travels to avoid steep south-facing slopes in the middle of the day to avoid getting avalanched by a wet loose slide. 

Higher elevation slopes closer to the Cascades Crest picked up 5-6" of snow Friday afternoon and night, which was accompanied by strong winds lingering into Saturday. Shifting wind directions formed slabs on a variety of aspects. These slabs may sit atop a thin crust or directly above the 12/21 crust. The crust provides efficient bedsurfaces for avalanches to run on. If you are traveling near and above treeline, feel for firmer or hollow sounding snow and use caution around steep open slopes that have been recently wind loaded. Where you find wind-stiffened snow assume you can trigger a wind slab avalanche on similar terrain features.

We don't have much information regarding a persistent problem that continues to be present in the adjacent Cascades East Central zone. We suspect the East South zone is similar in that if this problem exists, it is becoming unlikely to trigger such an avalanche, however, the consequences warrant serious consideration. Keep your distance from slopes 35 degrees and steeper that are open enough and tall enough to produce large avalanches. Watch for obvious signs of instability like recent avalanches, whumphing collapses, or cracks shooting through the snow. Look for weak snow just above a thick melt-freeze crust roughly 1.5ft to 3ft below the surface, above 5,000ft. 

Expect shallow snow cover 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. 

See the media gallery below for recent pictures of Mt Aix and Mt Darland 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.