West Slopes North

Firm and variable travel conditions create the biggest challenge on Friday. Take normal precautions and continue to stay alert for hazards while traveling in the backcountry, even though the avalanche danger is on low. 

Several days have passed since the last large avalanches were reported in the zone. Large glide cracks exist, but no one has seen avalanches from them in days. At this point, falling into one or exposing yourself to the steep slopes they form on if snow is firm is your largest hazard. 

There were reports of softening snow surfaces and good spring skiing on south-facing slopes midday Thursday. Otherwise, you’ll mainly find irregular, hard snow surfaces. There are also more trees, rocks, and creeks exposed than there were a couple weeks ago if you haven’t been into the backcountry lately. 

Long periods of high pressure usually mean better snow stability, but they also oftentimes aid in forming weak snow surfaces, a potential problem when more snow is loaded on top. A small storm arrives Saturday night, a welcome reprieve from our current doldrums. Before it arrives, search for weak snow. Look for surface hoar on the surface, or small, sugary recrystallized grains in low density snow near the surface. Both of these would probably be found on upper elevation northerly aspects, if at all. 

Forecaster Lee Lazarra went into the Baker backcountry Thursday to see if he could find any of the weak crystals. You can check out his observation HERE.  He did not find any at the surface that were well developed. Instead, he found faceted (weak, sugary) snow forming between two crusts near the surface.   This may not be as obvious a weak layer, but it’s something we’ll continue to watch as more weight is added to the snowpack. Let us know what you find if you’re out in the next few days. You can submit your observation HERE.