Eastside Region

Avalanches are Unlikely. Rockfall and firm “slide-for-life” conditions are the greatest hazards in the backcountry. Be on the lookout for unstable warming snow in isolated terrain (South facing-confined & rocky, with steep slope angles) where heating is intensified.

We continue to get good freezing temperatures and relatively clear overnight skies that will aid in keeping sunny aspects in check for the day.  That beig said, continue to be observant for warming of snow surfaces, especially in confined terrain where solar input will accelerate surface softening and loosening of rock. Light winds, partly cloudy to sunny skies, and above freezing temperatures will contribute to warming southerly aspects during the day. Additionally, these cold nights followed by warm days are promoting good melt-freeze cycles and thus the formation of spring like corn snow grains on sunny aspects. 

Reducing one’s exposure to cliffs or where the fall line may take you into rock is key right now, because a fall on a steep slope may be un-recoverable even for the best of riders. I recently went to the local shop and got a good tune to hone some sharp edges which are very advantageous and much safer for current conditions.  Alpine terrain is predominantly wind sculpted and extremely firm, but also can be severely variable and rugged with areas of faceted and loose snow in deep cold zones with less wind affect or boulder fields. Similarly, exposed open snowfields below tree line are equally as smooth and hard with a fair share of variability and breakable conditions mixed in. At least most alpine snow fields provide consistent, smooth surfaces that are predictable, but need to be treated with a degree of conservatism. A majority of touring, even below tree line, is more akin to a ski mountaineering currently with the need to utilize specialized equipment (ice axe, boot/ski crampons, helmet). Positively, warming southerly aspects have been reliably softening a bit by mid-day when the sun is out and winds are light. Additionally old faceting surfaces within sheltered trees are providing some “re-cycled” soft turns and have been improving during this lengthy dry spell under cold clear nights.