East Slopes South

Avalanche concerns should be limited to the highest elevations where enough new snow combines with moderate winds to form shallow slabs. Actively blowing snow clues you into the location of slabs in the lee of ridgelines. Steer around steep wind-loaded slopes approaching 40 degrees.

The snowpack continued to settle throughout the week as cool, sunny weather on Monday transitioned to increasingly warm, sunnyweather Tuesday and Wednesday. Clouds and light precipitation arrived on Thursday, but temperatures were above 40 degrees up to 5900 ft, likely creating sticky snow on previously dry northerly aspects.  The snowpack remains cold and layered except near the surface where you can expect crusts on most aspects.

Mild temperatures combined with minimal precipitation have delayed the onset of a new storm cycle on Thursday. Rain and snow arriving Thursday evening in addition to convective showers may add a few inches of fresh snow as mostly southerly winds transport any sufficiently cold snow onto lee slopes. The transition from rain to snow at most elevations over the course of Thursday night should help any new snow to bond to a refreezing crust and limit appreciable accumulations to higher elevations. Monitor the depth of new snow as you travel and take note of active or recent blowing snow. Fresh, pointy cornices may highlight fresh wind deposits that you should steer around on steep slopes.

If the sun comes out and heats up any fresh snow, expect rollerballs and loose wet avalanches to initiate from rocks and trees. Adjust your aspect to colder, shaded aspects.

Non-avalanche hazards:

• Cornices near the Cascade Crest are large and many have yet to fail, but may lean precariously as the recent mild temperatures take its toll. Give them a wide berth as you travel along ridgelines and on the slopes below.
• Glide cracks have opened on steep, rocky slopes particularly at upper elevations. While cooling weather reduces the likelihood of a glide avalanche, continue to give these impressive features a wide margin for safety on the slopes above you.

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.