We’ve been under this high-pressure ridge for about a week. Long, cold, winter nights allow any snow that melted during the day to freeze. This is keeping the snowpack very strong and avalanche danger low. During the day, sunshine may thaw the snow surface on steep, southerly slopes. We think Wednesday will be slightly warmer than the past two days. Cooling east winds may decrease and shift and become variable. This minor adjustment in the weather will not be enough to increase the avalanche danger. As you travel, pay attention to the snow. If you see wet surface snow deeper than your ankle, it’s time to change to less sun affected slopes.
Observations from adjacent zones in the Mt Baker backcountry and Cascade River Road areas reported variable snow surface conditions including very firm, icy slopes and breakable crust. Difficult travel conditions may pose the greatest hazard to you on Wednesday.
An observer visited Green Mountain on Sunday and found very shallow snowpack conditions below treeline with bare ground exposed. Continuous snow cover began near 4000 ft. Evidence of recent wet avalanches was observed near and above treeline on southerly aspects. Travel conditions were variable with a mix of low snow, breakable and supportable crusts, and wet punchy snow.