East Slopes South

There is a thin snowpack in the southeast Cascades, and early season hazards such as exposed rocks, stumps, or creeks may be your primary concern. At the highest elevations near ridgelines, there may be isolated pockets of wind drifted snow where you could trigger a small avalanche. Travel cautiously in extreme terrain where a fall or small avalanche could push you into rocks, stumps, or over cliffs.  

Since many areas still have a thin snowpack, generally safe avalanche conditions exist. However, there may be isolated terrain features on high elevation ridges where you could trigger a small avalanche in wind drifted snow. You will most likely encounter these unstable pockets of snow on steep ridgelines with little vegetation or trees. Visual clues such as cornices or wind drifts can help you identify wind loaded terrain. Some older wind slabs and textured surfaces may now have a dusting of new snow on top, making them more challenging to recognize. So you can also use quick hand pits or your probe/ski pole to feel for stiffer layers of snow over softer layers. Consider taking lower-angle routes or climbing on the windward side of the ridge in consequential terrain where a small avalanche could result in a long ride through rocks, stumps, or cliff bands. 

Expect frigid temperatures for Tuesday, with highs in the low teens. Bring and wear extra layers and monitor exposed skin for cold injuries. Consider using a buff or face mask to protect your nose and mouth from wind chill. 

After a cold, overcast day on Tuesday, a powerful winter storm will likely impact the Cascades on Tuesday night. Expect conditions on Wednesday to be drastically different, with heavy snow, wind, and rapidly increasing avalanche danger. This new snow may accumulate on older weak, sugary snow from mid-November. While we still have some uncertainty about the extent and distribution of this weak snow layer, this storm may be the first real test of this layer. If you are traveling in the mountains on Tuesday, take note of the current snow surfaces, as they may be Wednesday's weak layer. 

Access to many areas of the eastern Cascades is challenging, and we have limited information about the snowpack. If you are headed out into the mountains this weekend, be prepared for long approaches on nearly bare ground. Many motorized trailheads have limited snowpack, and most have yet to begin grooming operations. New snow may shallowly bury rocks, stumps, creeks, or other hazards at upper elevations. 

If you are out and about in the mountains, let us know what you find by submitting an observation.