Mt. Baker Backcountry

The Winter Weather Advisory runs through Sunday morning with 6-12 inches of new snow expected, but the avalanche bulletin is clean — Moderate danger across all elevations with no identified avalanche problems. This is a textbook good storm cycle where fresh snow is loading a stable snowpack. SNOTEL at Annie Springs shows 33 inches of settled base with declining depth, indicating good consolidation rather than concerning melt given the cold temperatures.

The weather pattern brings moderate snow accumulation with manageable winds. Today's 5-9 mph southerly winds aren't enough to create significant wind slab problems, and even Monday's increase to 10-15 mph remains below the threshold for major wind loading. The storm transitions to rain-snow mix Monday as temperatures climb to 38°F, then full rain Tuesday at 39°F — but this warming happens after the main snow accumulation, so you're looking at settlement rather than destabilization of the new snow.

The freezing level rise Monday means the rain-snow line will be around 2,500-3,000 feet. Above 4,000 feet you'll stay in snow through Monday, giving you excellent powder conditions on the upper mountain. Below 3,000 feet, Monday's rain will create a supportive crust once it refreezes Monday night.

Plan your biggest objectives for Sunday and Monday morning before the weather transition. The 11h 51m of daylight gives you plenty of margin, but start early Sunday to enjoy the storm snow before wind picks up Monday afternoon. Tuesday's rain makes it a good travel or lower-elevation tour day in the trees where the rain crust will provide stable, supportable conditions.