Eastside Region

Low avalanche danger persists. Firm and variable conditions are widespread presenting the greatest hazard in the backcountry right now. Some surface softening may occur on solar aspects, but should remain at un-concerning levels.      

Overnight temperatures remained a bit warmer than expected, but the day-time highs should be modest and average for January reaching into the low to mid 30s around 10,000’.  This combined with partly cloudy skies and some increasing NE breeze should keep SE-S-SW facing slopes from softening anywhere-near hazardous levels. That being said, some small loose-wet sloughs may be possible to trigger especially at lower elevations in steep rocky terrain if things soften more than expected.

The greatest hazard by far continues to be widespread firm and variable surface conditions, thanks to our reliable extreme Sierra winds that occurred during and after our major December storms.  Expect to encounter challenging riding conditions just about everywhere but the most sheltered northerly facing trees. Ski and/or boot crampons, and an ice ax or whippet could be essential in even fairly mellow terrain.

If you’ve never practiced arresting a fall with an ice ax or whippet, you should.  Simply having them in your hand is not enough.  Google “how to arrest a fall with an ice ax” and go find a small slick inconsequential slope with a clean run-out, and take some practice falls.