Eastside Region

LOW Avalanche Danger continues.  Be on the lookout for small isolated wind slab in complex terrain at upper elevations. “Slide for Life” conditions on firm and wind sculpted alpine terrain remain the greatest hazard in the backcountry.

After a cold and blustery day yesterday, we’ll return to warm and mild conditions and increased warming of snow surfaces on solar aspects. The longer days and higher sun angles will affect Easterly aspects with more vigor, so pay attention particularly in shallow areas where bottoming out through unsupportable or thin coverage may be unpleasant. Relatively little snow is left on even sunnier aspects (S-W), so continue to monitor for loosening snow and perhaps more important rock fall. Observations yesterday described thin and isolated wind slab in alpine terrain, where coupled with residing firm and smooth snow surfaces, produces the main concern of un-recoverable slides down the mountain. A small panel of isolated wind slab where in itself may not be that hazardous, could provide an unstable surface causing a fall where you may not be able to arrest. Residing snowfields were established in December and have really not seen any additional new snow since then (except for select areas around Mammoth and the highest regions). Thus, these slopes have undergone months of hardening winds and cold temps which have formed bulletproof surfaces that demand the use of crampons and ice axes for ascent, and more importantly a concerted and well thought out plan for a safe descent. Come prepared and look at the big picture before committing to exposed terrain or slopes that terminate above cliffs or exposed reefs.