East Slopes South

Generally safe avalanche conditions exist across the East South. Any snowpack instability will be isolated and confined to the highest terrain where thin slabs of drifted snow may exist or solar slopes that soften with daytime warming. As always, be flexible with your plan and look for signs of unstable snow before riding or climbing in steep terrain. 

Saturday is shaping up to be a cold spring day around the East South. Freezing levels shouldn’t climb much higher than 4500 ft and NW winds should be strong enough to make for a chilly day in the east side mountains.

These cooling temperatures and refreezing surfaces should help put wet snow avalanche problems to bed on most slopes. If any wet snow instabilities develop, it would likely be on a solar aspect at middle or lower elevations as the day heats up. You’ll want to track the extent of softening and consider moving off steep slopes if you notice deep boot penetrations or rollerballs shedding. 

Dry snow avalanche problems are likely isolated and confined to wind-drifted areas at upper elevations. Thin slabs of drifted snow may be peppered in higher terrain on Nelson Ridge or in areas closer to the Cascade Crest and Mt Adams. While these would be small, they could be consequential in radical terrain. Be leery of smooth, pillow-like slabs, and steer around these pockets if you notice cracking or drum-like surfaces. 

Finally, our snowpack is quickly deteriorating around the East South. Many lower elevations are shallow or completely melted out on sun-exposed slopes. You’ll find a more meaningful snowpack above 5000 ft, but don’t expect easy travel. Expect plenty of firm, rough surfaces, and hidden hazards during your approach or exit. 

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