Eastside Region

Avalanches are unlikely but not impossible. Watch for small unstable wind drifts below ridges and in couloirs. Consider the possibility of getting knocked off balance in steep terrain and adjust your plans if necessary.

Northeast winds blew snow over high-elevation ridges Saturday. They built hard drifts and dunes of faceted snow on solar aspects. Winds shifted southwest and increased again last night, potentially moving snow back to our typical, northerly start zones. Any resulting wind slabs from these two events should be small. But they could be enough to push a rider off balance in steep or consequential terrain, so you should still assess your line before committing.

Variable surface conditions are the name of the game in the mountains. You can expect melt-freeze crusts, windboard, breakable crust, satrugi, and dwindling patches of softer snow in the trees.

Solar slopes are melting fast, especially below treeline and in the southern portion of the forecast area. Creeks are opening up at lower elevations, and finding a decent spot to cross can be tricky. 

Plan for variable conditions with a good partner, and perhaps ski or boot crampons depending on your route.