Avalanche forecast

East Slopes South

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Pay attention as snow surfaces thaw throughout the day. You may see minor wet avalanche activity on steep, sun exposed slopes as the day heats up. Variable, early season conditions could be your greatest hazard. 

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1

    Expect small, wet loose avalanches to occur as refrozen suraces melt as the day heats up along SW-S-SE aspects. These small, point releases will likely be most prevalent in steep, rocky south facing terrain. Watch for rollerballs and moist snow surfaces as warning signs. Time your day and have a backup plan to move to shadier or lower angled slopes if necessary. Use caution in very steep terrain and around terrain traps like cliffs and gullies where even small wet avalanches could be dangerous.

    (3/7/2024)

    You won't see wet loose avalanches everywhere, but you may see them in south-facing terrain like this. 

    Photo: Koby Yudkin

Avalanche Discussion

Wednesday will be another rinse and repeat with high freezing levels and valley inversions. 

Despite the high freezing levels, folks are still enjoying preserved, weakening snow along N-E aspects. In these areas, you may still find a lingering wind slab at the highest elevations. As you travel, look and feel for changes in snow depth and texture. Consider giving these pockets a quick test before committing to steeper features. Step it back if you notice cracks shooting out from under your feet or machine.

You’ll start seeing the impacts of the warm temperatures once you move to southerly slopes. Here you’ll likely find a crust during the morning hours and wet snow surfaces develop as the day heats up. 

Regardless of elevation, numerous obstacles still exist. Rocks, logs, bushes, and creeks all make travel a bit more challenging. A few excellent observations from the East South emphasize the generally thin and variable early-season snow depths. 

If you get out, let us know what you see by submitting a public observation! 

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