East Slopes South

Encountering shallow, wet snow instabilities or sporadic cornice failures will become increasingly more likely as the day heats up. Start your day early and consider moving to a shadier slope if the upper snowpack feels wet and sloppy. Be ready for long, dry approaches to reach continuous snow and plan for other spring-time hazards like firm morning travel. 

Tuesday brought the start of a much-needed refreeze. Temperatures are colder than previous days, but freezing levels aren’t exactly low either across the southern Cascades. Meltwater will continue to work its way through the snowpack with daytime warming on Wednesday, so it may remain possible to push small wet avalanches on steep features that feel wet and punchy. Fortunately, you can help reduce your exposure by starting early and ending your day early so you can avoid being out in the mountains as they continue their spring shed. With spring shed in mind, use caution below sagging cornices or other chunks of snow on cliffs that could unglue without warning. 

Public observations have been limited due to low snow and difficult access. An NWAC Forecaster around Bumping Lake on Friday reported very patchy snow coverage and rugged travel to 5200 ft (observation here). In the neighboring West South, there have been numerous shed-style observations during the recent warm stretch of weather.  

Diurnal temperature fluctuations and historically low snow have made mountain travel challenging this spring. Expect a plethora of spring hazards, such as shallowly buried objects, high creeks, and very firm snow, during the morning hours. Crampons, an ice axe, and experience moving through hard snow may be necessary on steeper slopes before the sun works its magic. 

The prolonged warm spell in March decimated the already struggling East South snowpack. Below 5,000 ft, snow coverage is too limited for avalanche danger at this time—so we’re issuing a No Rating for lower elevations. You can still find rideable snow at middle and upper elevations on most aspects. 

Are you heading out into the mountains?  Let us know what you see by submitting an observation here or on the AvyApp