Watch for active wind transport building fresh and reactive slabs on south facing slopes.
Sheltered areas should hold great riding conditions, seek them out and be aware of overhead hazard.
Winds have varied so assess for wind slabs on all aspects. Slabs may be found near ridgelines or lower on the slope than usual. Watch for crossloading in unusual features like mid slope gullies and rollovers.
On Friday natural wind slabs were observed during active wind transport. Loose dry sluffing was reported in sheltered terrain features.
On Thursday a size 2.5 natural wind slab was reported on a south aspect at treeline. Skiers also reported seeing the crown of a size 2 natural avalanche between Zopkios Ridge and Yak Peak.
If you head into the backcountry, please consider submitting a MIN report.
Wind slab exists on south facing slopes at treeline and above, from northerly winds.
Wind affected snow overlies 20-50 cm of snow over a crust (which reports suggest is bonding well) and a well-settled snowpack in the alpine and upper treeline.
Treeline snowpack depths range from 100 to 180 cm. The last few storms have brought winter to the Cascades, and lower-elevation areas may now be at threshold for avalanches.
Saturday Night
Clear skies. Northerly winds, 10-30 km/h. Treeline temperature around -22 °C.
Sunday
Clear skies. Northerly winds, 30-50 km/h. Treeline temperature around -18 °C.
Monday
Clear skies. Northerly winds, 30-50 km/h will ease over the day. Treeline temperature around -13 °C.
Tuesday
Clear skies. Southwest winds return 30-50 km/h. Treeline temperature around - 8 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
