East Slopes Central

While avalanche conditions are generally safe, remember that wind slab avalanches were recently a concern at upper elevations. For Sunday, expect slightly warmer temperatures and cloud cover in the western half of the zone. Travel will be variable with firm snow surfaces on southerly aspects and shallow coverage on many slopes.

Overall, avalanches are unlikely on Sunday. If you're traveling to upper elevations or wind-exposed terrain, keep the recent wind slab avalanches in mind. There's still a bit of uncertainty around wind slabs, especially on the west end of the zone. Overall, temperatures will be slightly warmer on Sunday, and you can expect cloud cover west of Highway 97. Keep an eye on the surface of shaded slopes for weak snow that could be buried by the next storm. Observers have reported widespread surface hoar and near-surface facets.

Observers in the Chiwaukum Range reported a natural avalanche that likely ran Wednesday or Thursday due to freshly build slabs from east winds on the 2nd. In this area observers found wind slabs resting on a variety of surfaces with a strong-over-weak snowpack structure. An observer in the Colchuck Lake area on Thursday found favorable travel conditions and no signs of instability. Prior to snowfall on November 30th, widespread surface hoar was found in the North Fork of the Teanaway on all aspects above 5000'. Observers found surface hoar in places like the Chiwaukum Range and to the east on Stevens Pass.  So far, this layer has only been found buried in isolated locations and hasn't been problematic for avalanches.

Snowpack height and coverage varies significantly across the area. Areas near the cascade crest have a substantially deeper snowpack than low elevations and further east. Use our list of weather stations to check how much snow is on the ground in various locations throughout the area.

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.