East Slopes South

Firm, icy slopes on all elevations and aspects may be barely submerged under shallow new snow. Use caution while traveling on or across steep slopes and consider choosing lower angle terrain with friendly runouts. Any fall could be life-threatening.

The East South zone can expect up to 2” of snow to fall Wednesday night and Thursday with light winds and cooling temperatures.  Travel hazards remain a very real concern. Thick and dangerous ice crusts will be firm, frozen, and barely submerged under fresh snow that may easily slide off the crusts.  Wherever you find firm ice on or near the surface, the ability to self-arrest is paramount. Choose lower angle slopes with safe runouts to increase your margin of error. If you choose to travel on steeper terrain, expect "extremely icy conditions resulting in difficult skiing, tedious cramponing, and a low likelihood of successfully self-arresting" as described by an observer from the nearby Mt. Hood zone.

We don't expect enough new snow or wind to develop avalanche concerns.

While the upper elevation snowpack remains onlyslightly below seasonal norms at nearby White Pass, a very shallow snowpack at lower elevations continues to make travel difficult with exposed rocks and vegetation.

Expect widespread evidence for a natural avalanche cycle at upper elevations from last week's rain event.

During the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, continue to follow the latest guidance from local, state, and federal health officials. Avoid unnecessary risks that could impact first responders and stress medical resources.  Wear a mask when appropriate, practice social distancing, and consider recreating closer to home.