West Slopes North

You might find softening corn-like snow on southerly slopes midday, while upper elevation shady aspects hold a few inches of soft dry snow. Other than those areas, firm, variable snow surfaces are mainly what you’ll encounter, which could make for challenging travel. Lingering avalanche concerns such as cornice falls and glide avalanches are unlikely but a hazard to keep in mind while traveling on or near steep terrain. 

If you’re traveling into avalanche terrain there are a few lingering avalanche problems to keep in mind. Wednesday’s forecast is slightly warmer than the previous few days, so snow may soften more on southerly slopes. Very soft, punchy conditions are not expected, but if you do find yourself sinking several inches into the snowpack or notice snow sliding down a slope, stay off nearby steep terrain and avoid areas beneath them. 

Glide cracks on smooth, steep slopes are still present in many areas. These cracks releasing and running as avalanches is unlikely, but keep it in mind if you’re traveling beneath these unsettling features. Many of them released during and within a day or two of the large rain event. Cornices also failed during the same time range as the glide cracks. It is not out of the question that they still could crack and release, triggering an avalanche beneath.

Several days have passed since the last large avalanches were reported. Our last snow/rain event ended Thursday night, where a few inches of snow fell above 5000ft and rain persisted at lower elevations. Most of the upper snow layers are firm and refrozen, transitioning us into springlike conditions and harboring fewer avalanche concerns. Instead, on Wednesday your largest challenge is more likely to be firm, bumpy snow conditions, with exposed rocks, gullies, and creeks.