East Slopes North

While conditions are generally safe, you could encounter small roller balls or loose avalanches running on steep slopes. Consider the consequences of even very small avalanches when traveling in extremely steep terrain. Light snow on Wednesday will increase overnight as winds become westerly.

The East North zone could receive 1-2" of warm snow on Wednesday, and even in the eastern mountains near Loup Loup Pass and Mazama. While conditions are generally safe, you may see some small roller balls at low elevations due to moist snow falling on weak surfaces. If you see actual avalanches, wet or dry, know that you are dealing with more elevated avalanche conditions. Snowfall and westerly winds will increase on Wednesday night, raising the avalanche danger. 

Cold temperatures have weakened surfaces, especially on shady northerly aspects at middle and upper elevations. With snow on the way, now is a good time to track surface conditions and the bond to the underlying crust. As the new snow accumulates, avalanches could be easy to trigger. On the 29th, a skier triggered a small wind slab avalanche on Silverstar Mountain at 7,200ft on a northeast aspect.  Incoming snow and wind could again make it easier to trigger avalanches in wind-drifted snow by Thursday.

In sheltered areas at mid and upper elevations, ~6-10" of settled storm snow from last week sits above the most recent crust.  In wind-exposed locations, the recent snow is heavily textured and drifted. On sunny slopes, slick crusts are on, or just below, the surface. After several days of sunshine and diurnal spring temperature swings, you'll encounter variable surface conditions, including crusts that vary with aspect and elevation.

Snow cover is thin on southerly slopes and at low elevations. Be aware of exposed rocks and open creeks. WSDOT has begun plowing operations on Hwy 20 between Silver Star trailhead and Newhalem. The road will be closed to all traffic Monday through Thursday while workers and machinery are operating.