Eastside Region

Avalanche problems

• 

  Loose Wet

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alpine
  • Treeline
  • Below treeline

  Likelihood

  Possible

  Size

  1

  Sunny skies and light winds are expected today and may lead to surface warming on solar aspects. A hard refreeze last night may keep surface snow from softening too much in the early part of the day but you can expect solar aspects to warm relatively quickly as the sun hits them today.  Be particularly cautious in areas near rock outcroppings, cliff bands, and tight couloirs where the effects of warming are amplified. Wet, sticky snow surface, rollerballs and pinwheels, and increasing boot penetration are all signs of surface warming and may foreshadow larger point release avalanches.

• 

  Wind Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alpine
  • Treeline
  • Below treeline

  Likelihood

  Unlikely

  Size

  1–2

  Our current NE flow will continue today however wind speeds are expected to be light.  Continued slab development will not be likely today however lingering wind slabs may be possible to find, particularly on unsupported alpine slopes and in extreme terrain. Southerly aspects will be most concerning however with shifting winds over the last few days it remains prudent to be on the lookout for areas of unstable snow on all aspects.  Large drifts, recent cornice growth, and uneven snow surfaces are all clues that indicate nearby wind deposits. Do your own localized assessments and be suspect of terrain features that encourage drifting such as the leeward sides of ridgelines, alpine couloirs, gully features, and cross-loaded depressions.