East Slopes South

Avalanche conditions are generally safe in the East South mountains. If you search out higher elevation objectives, keep small wind slabs on your radar as you move through steep terrain. Firm snow surfaces and the potential for long, sliding falls may be your most significant mountain hazard on Saturday. 

The snowpack has been through a lot this past week with strong winds, fluctuating temperatures, and a skiff of new snow. In general, conditions are variable, to say the least. Backcountry travelers in neighboring zones continue to report very firm, icy travel, especially during the early morning hours or on windward aspects. Soft snow and the best riding are limited to northerly aspects that may hold a few inches over a crust or sunny, SW-SE aspects that may soften with daytime warming if the cloud cover is sparse enough on Saturday. 

While the avalanche danger is low during this period, keep some things in mind:

Wind Slabs: Yes, it's firm and variable, but if you look hard enough, you may find some thin slabs of wind-drifted snow in exposed terrain. The best chance to find these pockets will be on leeward N-E aspects at upper and some middle elevations. Look for wind-stiffened surfaces, cracking, or blowing snow as clues of nearby slabs. While these slabs may be small and shallow, don't underestimate a small avalanche in consequential terrain. 

Long, Sliding Falls: This may be your most significant hazard in the mountains right now. Saturday will feature increased winds and potentially cloudier skies, so this combination may keep surfaces locked up on many slopes, especially at upper elevations. Be mindful of these icy surfaces before riding or climbing in steep terrain. Having crampons and a way to self-arrest will be essential for steeper objectives. 

Wet Loose Avalanches: These will be few and far between, if any. However, if the day is sunnier than forecast, you may be able to push small wet sluffs in lower elevation terrain that remains somewhat wet and punchy. 

Normal Caution: Continue to use best-practice safe travel techniques and carry avalanche rescue gear. As you travel through steep terrain, only expose one person at a time and re-group in safe locations. 

Submit an observation to help NWAC Forecasters reduce uncertainty and write more accurate forecasts. It can be short, simple, and even anonymous. Visit the Recent Observations page to get an idea of what backcountry travelers are sharing that helps entertain the forecasts in other zones.