The warm weather of this past weekend is rapidly melting the snowpack in the passes and bringing mountain wildflowers to some of the lower peaks. One week ago, I hiked up the Rattlesnake Ledge trail out near North Bend, and enjoyed a profusion of blooms up on the ledge. Look for similar displays on peaks and ridges at about 2,500 to 3,000'.

One final note, aimed mainly at those who enjoy venturing into the mountains. The water created when snow melts in this warm weather moves through the snowpack, finally sliding downhill on top of firmer layers of snow or crust beneath the surface, or even rocks. That can generate wet loose snow avalanches or even the release of entire slabs of snow. If you are hiking, snow shoeing, climbing or ski touring in the backcountry, be very careful! Stick to safer routes such as ridges, and away from areas below gullies, cornices and slide zones.