East Slopes North

Complex freezing levels will develop on Sunday, with upper elevations warming up. While this likely won't increase the overall avalanche danger, steep southern slopes might soften in the afternoon, and an isolated slab of snow could fall off steep rocks overhead. Use normal caution, prepare for challenging travel, and watch for overhead hazards. 

A gradual warming trend begins on Sunday at upper elevations. This warm-up comes with complex freezing levels, so expect inversions and cold pools forming in low-elevation valleys and low spots in the terrain. Despite the prolonged high pressure, steep rocks or unsupported cliffs warming in the sun could shed snow from above. So, pay attention to these potential overhead hazards as you travel. If you notice surface crusts breaking down on steep south aspects, wet loose avalanches are more likely. With continued warming through the next few days, we could see a trend of increasing wet loose and glide avalanche activity.

An NWAC Observer in the Harts Pass area found isolated areas of cold, dry, recycled powder (weak, sugary, faceted snow) on sheltered northern aspects.  But overall surface conditions are quite variable. Southern aspects harbor a 1 inch thick breakable crust with preserved faceted snow above and below. This weak snow is more prominent on west and east aspects where the crust is thinner. Many locations are also plagued by stiff wind-affected snow of varying thicknesses. They also reported touchy but small, dry loose avalanches running in the weak, sugary snow on steep north aspects. 

This prolonged cold and dry period has caused the snow surface to weaken significantly. You can find plenty of surface hoar and/or near surface facets in valley bottoms and areas that don’t receive direct sunshine. These aren’t an issue now but are worth monitoring as we continue to await our next real storm.