East Slopes South

Avoid terrain connected to large avalanche paths.  Deeper weaker layers in the snowpack could wake up if you trigger an avalanche in the new snow.  Wind-affected snow should be easy to find and likely to trigger on slopes steeper than 35 degrees Wednesday.  

A new crust will likely be found (2/22) under the most recent 4-12" of snow below and near treeline, but may phase out above treeline.  Wind-affected snow should be easy to find in every elevation band on Wednesday. Wind slabs likely formed further below ridgelines and even on open slopes below treeline.  Avoid all wind-loaded slopes steeper than 35 degrees Wednesday where you are likely to trigger a wind slab avalanche.  Your nearest east-side neighbors to the north just had a major avalanche cycle with very large and destructive avalanches recorded, some breaking down to old weak snow layers from mid-January and several feet deep.  While fresh wind slabs will probably range in size from small to large, you should be more concerned about any size avalanche at upper elevations stepping down deeper in the snowpack.  Cornices may be large and easy to trigger along ridgelines.  Give them a wide berth as they often break further back than you expect.  Travel conservatively and put an extra buffer between you and any place where large avalanches can start, run or stop. 

Any steep sunny slope that has loose snow will likely produce loose wet avalanches on Wednesday.  If you start to see signs of increasing wet snow instability, like roller balls or pinwheeling, or snow shedding below sunny rock faces,  move to shady aspects or lower angle terrain. 

An atmospheric river event began Saturday night and lasted through Monday with gradually rising temperatures peaking late Monday morning, pushing rain up to at least 6000' in the zone.  Winds at the neighboring White Pass 6000' station showed gusts up to 100 mph Monday evening and remained strong to extreme out of the west through Tuesday.  Over a 3 day period, Snotels have averaged about 1.00 -1.80 of water across the zone.  We estimate 4-12" of snow has accumulated since snow levels dropped Monday afternoon in non-wind-affected areas with higher totals near the Cascade crest. 

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.