West Slopes Central

Use general caution in and around avalanche terrain. Be on the lookout for unstable wind drifts in steep, upper elevation terrain and wet avalanches on sunny slopes. If you find either it might just be better to limit your exposure to that slope and similar ones as well.

It looks like West Central and both of the Passes have gotten robbed while zones to the north and south received new snow since last week.  West North managed to squeak out 0.2-0.6” of snow water equivalent from weak storms Tuesday and Wednesday.  Falling at cold temperatures, it has been just enough to cover the sun crusts and wind eroded surfaces observed over the weekend. Small but reactive wind slabs were found where there was enough wind to transport the light new snow. You may find the same in alpine terrain Thursday, especially farther north and northeast in West Central where some new snow may have accumulated.

No new avalanche observations were reported from either Stevens or Snoqualmie Pass despite sunnier than expected skies. This again has to do with the lack of new snow. Solar aspects already received healthy doses of sun and are covered in crust. Despite all the above, it's still worth keeping an eye on steep sunny slopes. Rollerballs and other signs of wet avalanche instability are signs it’s time to pay attention to your exposure to steep terrain overhead.