Eastside Region

Avalanche danger remains LOW. Mild temperatures, light winds and full sunshine will lead to softened snow on SE-S-SW facing slopes. Firm and challenging surface conditions remain the biggest hazard to backcountry travel, along with the potential for rock fall in steep confined terrain with warming slopes above. 

If you are looking to find sun-softened snow on southerly aspects, today will be the day as winds should increase dramatically over the weekend keeping these slopes frozen and locked-up. If that is your goal, time it well so that you descend before slopes begin to refreeze.  If that brings you into steep rocky terrain, watch for potential rockfall funneling in from warming slopes above, as one party turned around yesterday for this very reason while climbing the SE facing Pinner couloir on Laural Mtn. If you find yourself booting past your boot-top in wet snow, that is an indication that you could trigger a loose-wet slide and you should get to lower-angle or cooler slopes. Lots of “ifs”! If you want to avoid all these “ifs”, nice soft faceted snow can still be found in sheltered northerly facing trees. And one more, if soft snow isn’t your goal and you are seeking alpine exploration, be sure to carry spikes in the form of crampons (boot and ski) and ice-ax or whippet, as firm slide-for-life conditions are widespread even on not-so-steep slopes at low elevations.