East Slopes South

Expect mostly safe avalanche conditions on Thursday. Keep an eye out as weather changes the snow surfaces. Wet snow at lower elevations or shallow developing wind slabs can produce small avalanches on slopes approaching 40 degrees.

The snowpack continued to settle this week as mostly sunny and cool weather on Monday transitioned to increasingly warm weather Tuesday and Wednesday.  The upper snowpack remains cold and layered except near the surface where you can expect crusts on all but north aspects.

We're entering a new storm cycle on Thursday with a strong snowpack and minimal avalanche concerns, but avalanche problems will develop.  

Pay attention to the changes in the weather as you travel and keep the following potential hazards on your mind:

• A transition back to winter-like snow surface conditions with moderate SE winds creating shallow drifts that you can trigger in the lee of ridgelines.
• Rain on previously dry snow or a poor overnight refreeze both create the potential for shallow natural or human-triggered wet avalanches on slopes approaching 40 degrees. Active rain and wet or sticky snow are all signs to choose less committing terrain. Shallow wet loose avalanches are most dangerous if they knock you off your feat near terrain traps such as cliffs and creeks.
• Neighboring zones have seen a proliferation of glide cracks at the base of rocky peaks. Give these features a margin for safety for the low likelihood event that one should fail unexpectedly.
• Cornices near the Cascade Crest are large. Give them a wide berth as you travel along ridgelines and on the slopes below.

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.