East Slopes South

Fresh and sensitive wind slabs will build above weak snow and firm surfaces creating slab avalanches that will be easy to trigger on slopes accumulating wind drifted snow. Choose slopes under 35 degrees where you see textured snow and fresh drifts.

Increasing SE winds on Tuesday should easily move around 1-3" of recent low density snow that fell Sunday as well as a few inches of new snow falling Tuesday night. Feel for firm or hollow sounding snow as you travel higher in the terrain and as you approach a new aspect. Watch for shooting cracks in the surface snow as a clear sign of instability.  Use caution when approaching open slopes steeper than 35 degrees; with a variety of weak snow grains found over the mid-January firm crust,  shallow slab avalanches may be easier to trigger than you expect. One of the photos in the gallery below shows surface hoar that was likely buried on Sunday in the neighboring Chinook Pass area. Even if you do not find buried surface hoar, weak and faceted snow sits between the firm ice layer and the new snow.

If you're traveling in wind-sheltered terrain, you may trigger small loose snow avalanches on steep terrain features.  These avalanches may run fast and easily above the old rain crust from mid-January. Small avalanches of any type can still cause you trouble when paired with terrain traps like cliff bands, thick trees, or exposed obstacles. 

At lower elevations, thin snow cover will also create challenging travel conditions. Expect plenty of exposed obstacles, open creeks,  and patches of bare ground. 

If you're out in the East South zone, let us know what you see by submitting an observation.  Your observation is a way to share information with the local community and improve this avalanche bulletin. 

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.