Eastside Region

Sizeable avalanches are unlikely on a regional scale. Watch for rollerballs and wet snow as signs of isolated instability in steep, sunny terrain. Specialized tools, like an ice axe and crampons, may be necessary for the slick and variable surfaces found on shadier slopes.

The first warmup of the week has come and gone, with temperatures yesterday rising quickly into the 40s and 50s F. After a solid re-freeze overnight, temperatures will rebound again today, though they should be a few degrees cooler. The freezing level is forecast to be around 11,500 feet, with the southern portion of the forecast area getting warmer than the north. Snow surface temperatures this morning are cold (-18 °C on Mammoth Mountain). They’ll have to rise to the melting point before we see any wet loose avalanche activity. However, isolated instabilities are not impossible on the steepest, sunniest terrain. If you see rollerballs coming from rocky areas or find yourself sinking boot-deep into patches of wet snow, it may be time to move to shady slopes to avoid getting knocked off your feet by a small wet sluff.

Most solar aspects have minimal snow cover. On aspects with consistent snow, surfaces are variable and hard. The most sheltered terrain has loose, sugary snow. The snowpack is shallow, with many obstacles buried just beneath the surface. Mountaineering equipment can reduce your risk of a consequential slip and fall.