West Slopes South

Avalanche danger is low, but always carry avalanche rescue gear and prepare for the unexpected if you're traveling in the backcountry. Beware of early season conditions, with shallowly buried rocks, stumps, and open creeks. 

Skies cleared Wednesday and temperatures remained warm. The few inches of snow that fell at upper elevations near the crest on Tuesday has had a day to settle. There's a very slim possibility that rollerballs and small wet loose avalanches may occur Thursday with the lingering warm temperatures, although unlikely. If you're sinking into the snow past your ankles or see rollerballs, especially at upper elevations in the newer snow, steer around steep slopes. 

Looking ahead, we're forecasted to get a couple inches of snow with cooling temperatures on Friday. In the meantime, your largest hazard is open creeks, exposed boulders and logs, holes, and variable surfaces. These have provided challenging travel conditions over the past week for backcountry travelers. With the small amount of snow we're forecasted to get, you can expect these travel challenges to continue, at least in the near future. Fingers crossed it'll change soon.