Eastside Region

Sizeable avalanches are unlikely on a regional scale. Watch for isolated wet snow instabilities in steep, sunny terrain. Specialized tools, like an ice axe and crampons, may be necessary for the slick and variable surfaces found on shadier slopes.

After a cold Monday, temperatures will rebound today. The freezing level is forecast to be around 10,800 feet, with the southern portion of the forecast area getting warmer than the north. Still, it’s January, and the warmest part of the day is brief. Snow surface temperatures this morning are frigid (-20 °C on Mammoth Mountain). They’ll have to thaw to the melting point before we see any wet loose avalanche activity. However, isolated instabilities are not impossible on the steepest, sunniest terrain.

Most solar aspects have minimal snow cover. On aspects with consistent snow, surfaces are variable and hard. The snowpack is shallow, with many obstacles buried just beneath the surface. Mountaineering equipment can reduce your risk of a consequential slip and fall.