East Slopes South

Triggering an avalanche is unlikely on Sunday. Still use caution on upper elevation, north aspects closer to the Crest, where small, stiff slabs of wind-blown snow may exist. Your bigger hazard will be from the firm, refrozen surfaces and challenging access due to low snow.

Sunday will be a colder day in the mountains of the East South thanks to a small system that features lower freezing levels. These colder temperatures should help lock up the upper snowpack and limit avalanche concerns on most slopes. Friday was a warm, sunny day, so we suspect very little dry snow still exists through the terrain, with the exception of north aspects at upper elevations. These are spots where you could still find very small wind slabs lingering, particularly closer to the Cascade Crest. I suspect most of these wind slabs are trending unreactive after significant warming and cooling, but it's certainly still worth looking for wind textured slabs before engaging in consequential terrain, where a small avalanche could come with an undesirable outcome.

Recent observations have been minimal across the East South, but observers in neighboring zones have reported a mixed bag of conditions depending on aspect. At this point, most slopes harbor refrozen surfaces (sometimes breakable), while northerly slopes may offer slightly softer, faceting snow over a crust.

As you’d expect by looking around, your more significant hazard will come from low snow and slick crusts. Give yourself extra time to access and exit the mountains, and be sure to pack the proper gear to help you navigate firm surfaces. 

Last week’s warm spell decimated the already struggling East South snowpack. Below 5,000 ft, snow coverage is too limited for avalanche danger at this time—so we’re issuing a No Rating for lower elevations. You can still find rideable snow at middle and upper elevations. 

Are you heading out? We could use the observations in this zone. Let us know what you see by submitting an observation here or on the AvyApp.