East Slopes South

You can trigger a wind slab avalanche at mid and upper elevations where you find freshly drifted snow on steep open slopes.  Wet loose avalanches are possible on very steep sunny aspects, especially when the sun comes out Monday. 

A strong front will impact the East South zone Sunday night, delivering several inches of snow and strong to extreme west winds.  Fresh wind slabs will likely form further downslope than usual and in unusual places due to chaotic loading patterns during the strongest winds.  Wherever you find freshly drifted and wind-stiffened snow, you may trigger a wind slab avalanche on open slopes steeper than 35 degrees.  While wind slabs should be shallow, they should be slightly deeper near the Cascade crest where more snowfall is expected.   Cornices near the Cascade Crest are large and may be ready to fail.  Give them a wide berth as you travel along ridgelines and be aware of the overhead hazard if traveling on slopes below large cornices.

Spring sun following fresh snowfall equals wet loose avalanche potential.  If and when the sun breaks out in your part of the zone,  the potential for wet loose avalanche will rise on very steep sunny slopes.  Wet loose avalanches may release naturally below steep rock faces that catch the sun.  If you see pinwheels or rollerballs,  or find yourself sinking into wet surface snow more than ankle deep,  move to lower angle or a shadier terrain. 

Observers out in the Tieton River drainage on Saturday found low elevation and steep south facing slopes starting to melt out as the calendar approaches April. 

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.