Eastside Region

Avalanche danger is LOW. Firm and perilous slide-for-life conditions and falling rock continue to be the greatest hazards in the backcountry. Watch for unstable warming snow in isolated terrain (South facing-confined & rocky, with steep slope angles) where heating is intensified.

A good freeze overnight will help keep sunny aspects relatively in check, but calm to light winds at lower elevations, sunny skies, and above freezing temperatures will warm southerly aspects. Travelers should be observant for warming affects, especially in confined terrain where heating rock will cause surface softening and potential rock fall.

There has been no new snow for over a month and avalanche danger has remained at LOW for over 3 weeks. Snow surfaces are old, tired and worn out. Alpine terrain is wind sculpted and extremely firm. For that matter, many exposed open snowfields below tree line are just as firm except there is more variability and breakable conditions to be aware of. At least many alpine snow fields provide consistent, smooth surfaces that are predictable. Snow travel is quite adventurous currently and being prepared mentally and with the proper gear is essential to continue to have fun. A majority of touring, even below tree line, is more akin to a ski mountaineering trip with the need to utilize specialized equipment (ice axe, boot/ski crampons, helmet etc.) to deal with the plethora of slick surfaces. On the positive side, warming southerly aspects have been reliably softening a bit by mid-day when the sun is out and winds are light. Additionally, old faceting surfaces within sheltered trees are providing some “re-cycled” soft turns and have been improving during this lengthy dry spell under cold clear nights. The big Christmas storm at this point seems like ancient history.