Eastside Region

Generally stable conditions persist across the forecast area. Watch for isolated instabilities in high-consequence terrain.  Variable surfaces and shallow coverage remain the greatest hazards in the backcountry. 

Unseasonably warm temperatures, sunny skies, and calm winds brought the spring-like vibes to the forecast area yesterday.  Field observations noted reactive Wet Loose instabilities on sheltered solar aspects in the Virginia Lakes area. Increasing winds and partly cloudy skies will limit this potential today as temperatures return to near-freezing.  Isolated instabilities in the form of small and stubborn Wind Slabs near and above treeline or Wet Loose instabilities on sheltered solar aspects near radiators such as cliff bands or rock outcroppings are not out of the realm of possibility today. Be particularly cautious in steep, exposed terrain where even a small avalanche could lead to a high-consequence fall.

The focus for backcountry travelers remains on a generally shallow snowpack and a variety of challenging surface conditions. Scoured slopes and 3-dimensional wind-pressed surfaces can be found in exposed alpine terrain, and a variety of fresh melt-freeze crusts may be possible to find on solar slopes and at lower elevations. Specialized tools like boot and/or ski crampons and an ice ax may be necessary depending on where you wish to travel today.