Eastside Region

Avalanche danger is LOW at all elevations. LOW danger does not mean NO danger. Monitor for unstable wind deposited snow near and above tree line on isolated terrain features and warming snow surfaces. Variable conditions continue to be a notable hazard to the backcountry traveler.

• Last week’s new snow was variable in its distribution with some areas receiving up to 6” and others closer to 0”. Strong upslope winds accompanied the snowfall scouring high north and east facing terrain.
• The small and unlikely wind slabs forecasted for the past few days were a way to communicate the uncertainty regarding the redistribution of the recent snow.
• Continue to monitor for the possibility of unstable wind deposits in your travels. Textured snow, stiffened surfaces and increasing winds may be indications of a nearby wind slab. Triggering even a small avalanche in steep or complex terrain could be more consequential.
• Warming temperatures have resulted in some sticky snow and may be an early warning sign of developing loose wet instabilities on sunny slopes. Watch for rollerballs, pinwheels and small rockfall as other indications of unstable surface snow.
• We have received few reports of any signs of instability in the past few days and no mention of wind slabs other than small localized deposits that were by and large unreactive to informal snow stability tests. Lighter winds, warming temperatures and time have allowed for the new snow to settle and bond to the old snow surface. This is good news.
• The bad news is that we seem to be back to a similar state as we were prior to last week’s snow. Variability rules and challenging conditions persist.
• You may find continuous stretches of firm and smooth “slide-for-life” snow on many North facing slopes exposed to the wind. Fields of penitentes and crunchy transitional snow is present on higher elevation East aspects. South aspects seem to have transitioned best to a pseudo-corn like state providing a smoother and softer travel experience if you can find the coverage and time it well. Sheltered North facing treed terrain at the middle and lower elevations is still holding soft faceted surface snow, but temperature crusts are starting to rear their heads in some areas. Quick transitions between patches of sun and this cold dry snow may result in some sticky travel.
• The message remains the same, be prepared for challenging conditions in the backcountry right now. Carry tools such as boot and ski crampons and an ice ax and/or whippet to travel on firm snow. The slide for life surfaces may be lurking just beneath what appears to be soft powder snow. Choose terrain and conditions that are suited to your ability, both on the ascent and descent.
• Our attention has once again turned to what the surface is like ahead of the next weather system. “Today’s snow surface is tomorrow’s sliding surface”. Keep the observations coming in to help paint a picture of what its like out there in the different drainages and at different elevation bands.