Eastside Region

LOW avalanche danger persists at all elevations. Variable and challenging surfaces, “slide for life” conditions remain the greatest hazards in the backcountry.  Monitor for isolated areas of recent wind deposit and be ready for a full variety of challenging surface conditions.

Cooler temperatures, continued cloud cover, and increasing winds out of the west-southwest today will limit the potential for softening on solar aspects, however, don’t be surprised to see some blowing snow near and above treeline in areas with loose surface snow. Keep an eye out for signs of wind loading such as blowing snow, recent drifting, and hollow upside-down feeling snow. Keep in mind that strong winds can redistribute snow in unexpected ways. Conduct your own localized assessments and be on the lookout for isolated areas of fresh wind deposit in leeward catchment zones.

Variable and challenging surface conditions remain the greatest concern for the backcountry enthusiast. Recent observations highlight a full spectrum of surfaces. Some sheltered and shaded areas are still holding soft and pleasant powder snow if you’re lucky enough to sniff it out. Unseasonably warm temperatures and increasing solar input have been leading to dwindling coverage & a plethora of temperature crusts. Large refrozen penitents exist on many solar aspects making for a harrowing 3-dimensional adventure. Hard and slick windboard still exists in many areas and at all elevations. While more common on northerly wind-exposed areas in the alpine, these slick surfaces can still be found below treeline and in more protected areas than you may typically expect to find them. Be aware of your exposure to terrain hazards such as long steep slopes, cliff bands, tight rocky chokes, and stands of trees. Even an otherwise innocuous fall could easily lead to a perilous “slide for life” situation. Slow it down and remain vigilant if you find yourself in steep or consequential terrain. Equipment like boot and/or ski crampons and an ice ax may be critical even at lower elevations or in protected areas you may not typically expect to need them.

While we do not expect a major load of new snow out of this storm system, some areas may see 4+” by Wednesday.  It will be critical for us to adapt our mindset accordingly.  As the old adage goes “today's surface is tomorrow's weak layer”. Even a small amount of new snow will likely find ways to surprise us. Hard and slick slopes will make good bed surfaces, near-surface facets, and facet crust combos may make great weak layers, and new snow will almost certainly mask obstacles that have recently made an appearance on the surface. If you find yourself in the backcountry today take stock of the surface conditions and try to anticipate what a new load may mean for us.