East Slopes South

Wind slabs have likely formed on a variety of aspects and further downslope than usual.  Triggering a wind slab or cornice may result in a larger and more consequential avalanche that breaks down to weaker, deeper snow layers.  Consider avoiding avalanche terrain at upper elevations until we have more information. 

The recent storm cycle has brought more wind than snow to the East South zone.   Milder temperatures seen over the first half of the weekend cooled below freezing on Sunday.  Strong to extreme westerly ridgeline winds are expected to continue into Monday morning. Several inches of snow has accumulated above 6000' since Friday with lighter new snow accumulations at lower elevations.  The strength and duration of the westerly winds have likely formed shallow wind slabs further downslope than usual and on a variety of aspects.  

Wind slabs are the most likely avalanche problem you'll encounter on Monday, but we are more concerned about the structure beneath the most recent snow. We still have plenty of uncertainty about deeper persistent weak layers in the East South zone.  It's a good idea to put a healthy buffer between you and wind loaded start zones in higher terrain.  You can dig to try and identify weak snow above the mid-January crust, but with large and potentially deadly persistent slab avalanches occurring in neighboring zones (East Central and West South), continue to limit your exposure to large avalanche paths near and above treeline until we know more. 

If you're out in East South, help improve this bulletin by submitting an observation. 

At upper elevations, you'll likely find most aspects have been wind affected with plenty of wind textured snow.  At lower elevations, a thin snowpack still exists in many locations. Shallowly buried obstacles, open creeks, and bare ground may block your path. The snowpack should increase dramatically as you ascend in elevation and get closer to the Cascade crest. 

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.