East Slopes North

The sun will be shining, but expect much colder temperatures and very strong westerly winds. Windy ridgelines might be an unpleasant place to hang out. Our wet snowpack will get a good overnight refreeze, so switch your mindset to a spring diurnal pattern. You should expect icy, slick surfaces in the morning that gradually soften throughout the day. Sunny aspects will warm up more quickly, and northerly aspects may not warm up at all, particularly at higher elevations. The sun is strong in April, so as things warm up, you should still be looking up for potential hazards overhead. Cornices, shedding, and steep rocks and cliffs might still send snow down from above. Move through terrain with overhead hazards more quickly in the warm afternoons. 

The weekend brought temperatures that topped out in the mid-50°Fs at 5000ft near Washington Pass. All aspects experienced a significant wet avalanche cycle. Most avalanches were small, but avalanche professionals reported D2 wet-loose slides off Liberty Bell on Monday morning. Observations are limited, but we know that even northerly aspects experienced significant warming and will likely have thick crusts on Tuesday morning. Consider bringing equipment to prevent long sliding falls on steep, icy surfaces. 

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.