East Slopes South

Avalanches will be unlikely on Saturday but expect challenging travel conditions on firm, icy surfaces. Bring appropriate equipment to prevent uncontrollable slides on steep icy slopes. Some long-awaited snow is in the forecast for Saturday night, so expect a change in conditions and avalanche hazard on Sunday.

Saturday will bring a transition from the current high-pressure weather pattern, and a cold front will begin to impact the region. As this cold front moves into the area, high clouds will develop, and WSW winds may finally push out the cold air pooled in low-lying valleys east of the crest. Even though valley temperatures may warm, thin cloud cover and light winds will make surfaces slower to warm up, and ideal soft corn snow may be more elusive. Firm, icy surfaces can make slips and falls dangerous, possibly resulting in uncontrollable slides. Make sure you prepare for these challenging travel conditions. While avalanches are unlikely, if the high clouds are slow to enter the zone you may be able to trigger wet loose avalanches in isolated areas of very steep rocky terrain exposed to the sun. Take note of how thick and supportable the crust is throughout the day. While any slides should remain small and isolated, don't let one catch you by surprise and push you into a terrain trap. Even a small avalanche can hurt you if it carries you over a cliff or buries you deeply in a gully. 

Unfortunately, the recent warm temperatures and sun also caused significant loss in snow cover. As a result, many low elevation slopes have melted out. With a change in weather for Saturday night and Sunday, expect some new snow with the highest accumulations towards the northern end of the zone and closer to the Cascade Crest. With snow in the forecast, now is an excellent time to track the surface conditions and note any weak snow or surface hoar on the crust that could become a weak layer buried under the new snow. If you get out, send us an observation of the snow surfaces you find.