East Slopes South

If you travel to higher elevations, you may be able to trigger a shallow wind slab on lee slopes where you find wind 6" or more of accumulated snow. You will be able to initiate very shallow loose wet avalanches that could catch you off guard in steep, rocky terrain features. Choose terrain under 35 degrees where you find the sun creating wet snow surfaces or snow drifted by the wind.

Around an inch of new snow fell Wednesday through Thursday morning at weather stations closer to the Cascade Crest in the East South zone. Expect several inches to have fallen at upper elevations, with moderate winds blowing the new snow into slabs. These slabs have built upon small slabs formed earlier in the week. Melt-freeze crusts likely formed between the snow events on some aspects. These slabs could knock you off your feet in steep, rocky terrain features where the drifts are 6" or deeper. Use your powers of observation to identify the signs of recently wind-transported snow. Look for pillow-like drifts, fresh cornices, and stiff or textured snow as a sign that you could trigger a wind slab avalanche. Steer around steep start zones and slopes over 35 degrees where you see these signs. Monday morning's snowfall combined with strong and gusty winds to form wind slabs in unusual locations and the possibility of low elevation wind slabs. We think these slabs should be stubborn and in most cases unreactive.

We think a minor loose wet avalanche cycle may have occurred on Thursday. Any remaining dry snow will be susceptible to additional warming and sunshine on Friday. Expect small wet loose avalanches that could harm you in steep, rocky or extreme terrain.

Cornices near the Cascade Crest may be leaning precariously. Give them a wide berth as you travel along ridgelines and on the slopes below, particularly during periods of sunshine.

We continue to track the mid-January crust-facet combo throughout the Cascades, but it appears dormant and we don't believe it poses a threat at this time.

During the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, continue to follow the latest guidance from local, state, and federal health officials. Avoid unnecessary risks that could impact first responders and stress medical resources.  Wear a mask when appropriate, practice social distancing, and consider recreating closer to home.