East Slopes South

New snow and strong winds arriving overnight Wednesday will create fresh wind slabs on lee slopes. Afternoon sun breaks will result in wet loose avalanche activity later in the day. Approach lee slopes with wind blown slopes steeper than 35 degrees with caution in the morning and avoid slopes getting direct sun in the afternoon.

Wind slabs will form rapidly overnight Wednesday and may run easily above a frozen crust that currently makes up the surface snow. Look for textured and firm snow on lee slopes as a sign you could trigger a wind slab avalanche. Steer around slopes steeper than 35 degrees directly below cornices and where you see snow drifted by the wind to avoid triggering a wind slab. Look for shooting cracks or fresh cornices as a sign that you could trigger an avalanche on a similar slope.

Slopes receiving direct sunshine in the afternoon on Thursday will likely have weak snow surfaces on which you could create wet loose avalanches. Where you see wet snow surfaces or find yourself sinking into the snow more than 6 inches, navigate around slopes steeper than 35 degrees especially above terrain traps like cliffs and creeks.

Continue to give cornices a wide berth as you travel along ridgelines and be aware of the overhead hazard if traveling on slopes below these giant masses. Warm temperatures will weaken the snow and ice holding them up, making them increasingly likely to collapse.

As we continue into spring, we're experiencing a gradual transition from a colder layered snowpack to a wet spring snowpack. That transition takes place from the top down. If you dig down in the snow, pay attention to how deeply meltwater has percolated, and please consider sharing your finding on the public observations page. This will improve our ability to forecast wet avalanche problems as the spring snowpack evolves.

Observers in the Tieton River drainage on 3/27 found low elevation and steep south-facing slopes starting to melt out as the calendar approaches April. After a week of mild weather, expect more melt-out, flowing streams, and exposed rocks.

During the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, continue to follow the latest guidance from local, state, and federal health officials. Avoid unnecessary risks that could impact first responders and stress medical resources.  Wear a mask when appropriate, practice social distancing, and consider recreating closer to home.