East Slopes South

Triggering an avalanche is unlikely. The snowpack is in a melt-freeze cycle, which has kept avalanche concerns low while creating slick surfaces during the morning hours or on shaded slopes. Be ready for challenging travel and continue practicing safe travel techniques. 

We’re well over a week into high pressure with valley inversions. Chilly overnight temperatures and clear skies have helped stabilize the snowpack across the eastern mountains. While triggering an avalanche is unlikely, it may not be impossible to trigger a small wet avalanche on very steep, sun-exposed slopes or to see a sagging cornice fail during daytime warming. Keep these wet-snow instabilities on your radar, especially if the surrounding snow is wet and sloppy. 

Your bigger hazard will likely be from the firm, refrozen surfaces that plague much of the range, or from shallow coverage. Travel is especially challenging at lower elevations and on south-facing slopes, where bare ground, open creeks, holes, and downed trees are widespread. These low-tide obstacles could easily exacerbate the consequences of a small avalanche or long sliding fall. 

While avalanche conditions are generally safe, continue to practice safe travel rituals. Allow only one rider at a time on steep slopes while a partner watches from a safe spot, and make sure everyone is carrying functional rescue gear, including a beacon, shovel, and probe.

Submit an observation online or on the AvyApp if you get out! Your information helps NWAC Forecasters write more accurate forecasts.