West Slopes South

Generally safe avalanche conditions continue, despite the change in weather. Long sliding fall potential will be your biggest hazard with abundant firm, and icy snow surfaces across the zone. Carry the proper equipment to prevent a nasty fall. 

It’s been nearly two weeks since the last precipitation, and oddly enough for January, sunny skies and strong temperature inversions have become the norm. Fortunately, Monday brought the first signs of a pattern change across the southern Cascades. The persistent inversion weakened, allowing warmer air to settle into lower elevations while cooler temperatures returned to the upper elevations. Clouds also began to build along the crest as the chance for snowfall creeps closer.

Tuesday will stay mostly snow free. A few flurries are possible before dark, but most of the precipitation is expected Tuesday night into Wednesday. For now, this weather change will have little to no impact on the avalanche hazard. Snow surfaces remain very locked up and firm across the zone, with minimal daytime softening. Traveling on hard, beat-up surfaces can be dangerous, move deliberately, bring appropriate crampons/ice axe if heading into higher terrain on the volcanoes, and carefully assess steep slopes before committing. An uncontrolled, long sliding fall could be deadly.

Over the past several days, observers have reported early signs of weakening snow structure across the West South. Most notably, near-surface facets have been found beneath a thin crust in multiple areas. While this doesn't affect avalanche danger at this time, these weak grains could be problematic once significant snowfall returns. For now, we'll keep an eye on them. 

If you make it out onto the snow, consider submitting an observation HERE. Any information or photos is helpful to the forecast staff.