East Slopes South
Avalanche danger
Highlights
Avalanche danger will be generally Low on Sunday with increasing cloud cover and decreasing temperatures. You might find danger a notch higher in areas near Hwy 410 that saw more snowfall last week. Keep an eye out for signs of wet avalanche instability on all aspects and reduce your exposure to avalanche terrain as needed.
Avalanche Discussion
Preliminary Report: On Friday, February 28, three snowmobilers were riding near Harts Pass in the East North zone when they triggered a large slab avalanche. Two riders were caught and carried. One rider was fully buried and killed. The other was partially buried and injured. NWAC is working with local avalanche professionals to conduct an investigation. Our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and community. (NE, 6,800ft HS-AM-D2.5-R4-O)
High temperatures should drop anywhere from 10-20 degrees, and the continuous string of clear days will come to an end as clouds block out the sun. This will inevitably lower the possibility of seeing or triggering a wet avalanche on steep slopes.
On the other hand, temperatures won’t truly be “freezing” at low and mid-elevations. The snow will still be wet, and water will keep running through the snowpack for a portion of the day. This means wet avalanches are not impossible, as some instability will remain. Expect to find a nice, firm crust developing at upper elevations. Travel conditions are generally less than ideal on all aspects and at all elevations.
If you find a reason to head into steep terrain, be aware that you might still be able to move some wet snow if you push on the surface with enough force across a big enough area, like with a long sidehill. Natural avalanches could still initiate from cliffs and other rocky terrain holding snow. Mid-elevation cornices are still a bit weak. It should be easy enough to avoid whatever avalanche danger still exists out there. Don't linger under rocky, snowy terrain and drooping cornices or knock about on really steep slopes full of wet, mushy snow.
An NWAC Forecaster made it out to Ahtaunum Meadows on Saturday. You can read her observation here.