East Slopes Central

The avalanche danger is Low. Most areas hold firm or breakable crust, and a slip could lead to a slide on steep slopes. Low elevation, south-facing slopes may soften in the middle of the day.

People have been finding variable travel conditions, with firm and icy slopes even above 8,000' being the norm. In many areas, the crust may be supportable. In others you'll break through it. Use caution near steep slopes where you find a firm and slick surface crust. Make sure you can arrest a fall and avoid slopes where a slip could cause injury. 

If you're lucky, you'll find softening surface conditions, and decent travel on south facing slopes during the middle of the day. Some may even call it corn skiing (in January!) Unfortunately, the sun is required to for this, and we may have more clouds than sunshine on Wednesday. Observers noted isolated wind drifts to steer around on the high peaks. 

A major storm delivered heavy snow and rain to the East Central zone from January 11-13.  The Sasse Ridge Snotel picked up almost 5" of water(!) over the event.  Over 2 feet of new snow fell before the switch to rain on the 12th.  Further east, Mission Ridge followed a similar temperature and precipitation type trend but only tallied 2.5" of water over the same period.  Large and destructive avalanches ran on the 12th, both as storm slabs and later as wet snow avalanches. In nearby Stevens Pass zone every avalanche path had at least one, if not multiple avalanches in it. In the East North zone observers reported avalanches up to D3.5 near Washington Pass,(big enough to break mature timber and bury cars) including an avalanche that hit a closed portion of Highway 20, below Delancey Ridge. 

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.