East Slopes South

Strong winds will continue to rake the snow surface at mid and upper elevations.  While it will be easy to find wind-affected snow,  it's unlikely you'll trigger a wind slab avalanche.  At lower elevations,  steer around steep slopes receiving direct sunshine where you are most likely to find wet and weak snow which could create a wet loose avalanche. Give cornices wide berth as temperatures continue to climb.

Strong E-NE ridgeline winds continue in the East South compacting snow surfaces and limiting warming by the sunshine.  For terrain exposed to the wind,  it will feel cooler than the freezing level and full sun in mid-April would otherwise indicate.  Lower elevations and terrain sheltered from the wind will continue to experience increasing temperatures this week.

Wind slabs that formed over the weekend have likely become unreactive.  E-NE winds may have cross-loaded slopes over the last 24 hours, but with minimal snow to transport, new wind slabs are also unlikely.  Continue to use care when approaching steep rocky terrain with wind loaded snow,  this may be the last best spot to trigger a wind slab avalanche.  

At lower elevations and wind-sheltered sunny slopes, surface refreezes will break down quickly as the day heats up.   Where you find yourself sinking into wet snow deeper than your ankle or if you see signs of increasing instability like rollerballs or natural wet loose avalanches, move to shadier or lower angle terrain.  Don't get caught in a wet loose avalanche above terrain traps like cliff bands or open creeks.  Firm slopes you traveled on or below during the morning hours may be ripe for wet snow avalanches or cornice fall in the afternoon. 

Cornices are large and will fall down as daily temperatures continue to rise.  Give them space along ridgelines and don't hang out on slopes below large overhanging cornices. Be prepared for spring travel hazards like exposed creeks, trees and rocks as southerly slopes and lower elevations continue to melt out. 

Keep in mind that temperatures are rising significantly. Freezing levels will reach over 10,000 ft through the weekend. The snowpack has not had a significant warm-up like this yet. Travel in avalanche terrain with caution. The transition from a winter to a spring snowpack does not offer the same clues that weak winter snow does. Wet loose avalanches and failing cornices are possible, but so are deeper wet slab avalanches which do not show signs of weakness until failure.

If you're out,  share what you see and submit an observation. 

Daily avalanche forecasts will end on Sunday, April 18th.

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.