These factors have inhibited the snow pack from gathering strength and breaking down the obvious faceted layers from within that could possibly cause a slide. Unstable slab layers are probable on steep terrain above 5500 feet elevation on all aspects. Natural avalanches are possible, while human triggered avalanches are probable. Be aware of potentially dangerous areas of unstable snow, especially the steep and open slopes above 30 degrees. Below 5500 feet or below timberline, there could be some unstable layers in the steep and open terrain where anchoring from trees and brush is not present.
Natural avalanches are unlikely, while human triggered avalanches are possible.
Backcountry travelers should use caution in the steeper and open terrain below timberline. A deep low is centered off the Washington coast and is moving eastward. This system will continue to move inland today. There are distinct bands of moisture associated with this low and the south end of the panhandle should see most of the precipitation. There could be some significant amounts of snow in the backcountry from this system and also from another system that is predicted to move through the region on Sunday.