East Slopes North

While the avalanche danger may be Low, you'll encounter a variety of surface conditions ranging from firm crusts,  sun softened snow on steep southerly aspects, and pockets of wind-stiffened snow at higher elevations.  Expect cooler weather on Tuesday along with increasing high clouds in the afternoon.    

Moderate WNW ridgeline winds over the weekend switched to N-NE  winds on Monday as a weak weather disturbance swung south over the northern Rockies.  There isn't much snow to redistribute after several days of sunny and mild weather at mid and upper elevations.  While you can likely find older areas of wind drifted snow below ridgelines, you're unlikely to trigger a wind slab.  In areas sheltered from the sun and wind, you'll find approximately 6 inches of settled snow from Thursday's storm (1/20) above the most recent crust near and to the west of Washington Pass.  A series of crusts can be found in the upper snowpack (see photo). Further east, less snowfall accumulated last Thursday.   Strong temperature inversions with thick valley low clouds/fog have been a hallmark during much of the last 2 weeks.  While the freezing levels will be cooler Tuesday, the overall pattern won't change dramatically while high pressure dominates the region.  

A few small wet loose avalanches were observed over the weekend.  On Friday 1/20, observers noted a number of natural and triggered wind slab avalanches. These avalanches ranged from small to large and were generally found above treeline on leeward slopes near and west of Washington Pass. Observers have reported cracking cornices and open glide cracks.  Even though relatively cooler weather is expected on Tuesday,  continue to limit your time below these overhead hazards as this sunny and seasonally mild stretch of weather continues.