Eastside Region

LOW avalanche danger persists at all elevations. Variable and challenging surfaces, “slide for life” conditions, and rockfall resulting from daytime warming remains the greatest hazards in the backcountry.  Monitor for unstable snow in isolated areas and be ready for a full variety of challenging surface conditions.

Isolated areas of unstable snow may exist throughout the forecast area however,  the variable and challenging surface conditions remain the greatest concern for the backcountry enthusiast. Recent observations highlight a full spectrum of surfaces. Some sheltered and shaded areas are still holding soft and pleasant powder snow if you’re lucky enough to sniff it out. Rising temperatures and increasing solar input are leading to dwindling coverage, temperature crusts, and warm sticky snow in many areas, even in more shaded and protected areas. Large refrozen penitents on many solar aspects make for a harrowing 3-dimensional adventure. Hard and slick windboard still exists in many areas and at all elevations. While more common in northerly wind-exposed areas in the alpine, these slick surfaces can still be found below treeline and in more protected areas than you may typically expect to find them. Be aware of your exposure to terrain hazards such as long steep slopes, cliff bands, tight rocky chokes, and stands of trees. Even an otherwise innocuous fall could easily lead to a perilous “slide for life” situation. Slow it down and remain vigilant if you find yourself in steep or consequential terrain. Equipment like boot and/or ski crampons and an ice ax may be critical even at lower elevations or in protected areas you may not typically expect to need them.

It looks like we’re in for a bit of a refresh this week. Cross your fingers, do a little snow dance, and hope for an overproducer. But in the meantime, it’s important to anticipate how new snow may interact with our current snow surfaces. As the old adage goes “today's surface is tomorrow's weak layer”. Even a small amount of new snow will likely find ways to surprise us.  Thank you to everyone who has been posting their observations to the website. Keep them coming. Your observations really help the forecast team paint a more accurate picture and create a better forecast. Thank you!