East Slopes North

While avalanches are unlikely, there are hazards to consider. Even with slim chances, the consequences of a cornice fall or a rock face shedding snow could be significant. As is typical in spring, the chance of avalanches will increase as the day warms. Cornices are very large and overhang many ridges. Many steep cliffs and rock faces are still covered with significant snow. Even at low danger, it's wise to minimize your exposure to potential overhead hazards.

Expect less overnight freeze and light rain on Saturday. The snow surface may be frozen first thing in the morning, but it will likely soften by midday. Bring traction equipment, like crampons (ski/boot), to prevent an uncontrolled fall on steep, frozen slopes. Clouds and light precipitation will both prevent a solid freeze and slowly soften the snow surface. There's a slight chance that you could find areas of wet and unsupportive snow sufficient enough to trigger small wet avalanches. If you sink into the snow up to the top of your boots, it's time to move to lower-angle terrain.

Surfaces near Washington Pass saw solid overnight freezes with clear skies between the 7th and the 10th. There have been temperature inversions, and some upper elevation slopes haven't seen as many hours below freezing. On Friday, observers reported solid freezes, supportive crusts, and softening surface snow on south aspects at middle and upper elevations of Big Craggy Mountain. On Thursday, WSDOT forecasters reported similar conditions at Washington Pass. On the 7th, an NWAC forecaster found that surface crusts were weaker than those reported later in the week, and east aspects at low elevations became unsupportive by midday. No new avalanches have been reported since roughly the 5th, when wet avalanches occurred on all aspects and elevations. Most were small, but WSDOT forecasters reported large (D2) wet-loose slides on easterly aspects of Liberty Bell that likely occurred on the 4th or 5th.

The snowpack in the East North Zone is robust, and it hasn't yet fully transitioned to spring. Crusts cover all surfaces, but as you look deeper, northerly aspects haven't fully transitioned to melt forms. Many slopes hold considerable snow, including on steep cliffs and rock faces. The spring "shed" avalanche cycles have barely even begun near the Cascade crest. When we do see more prolonged warm temperatures, there's still significant snow that could fall, resulting in avalanches.

Snow cover is thin on southerly slopes and at low elevations. Be aware of exposed rocks and open creeks. WSDOT has begun plowing operations on Hwy 20 between Silver Star trailhead and Newhalem. The road will be closed to all traffic Monday through Thursday while workers and machinery are operating.