East Slopes South

New snow will slide easily above firm old surfaces creating avalanches that will be easy to trigger on slopes that are not scoured by the wind. Choose slopes under 35 degrees where you see textured snow and fresh drifts, or deeper areas of unconsolidated snow. 

SE winds rapidly transported new snow Tuesday night and formed sensitive wind slabs on lee slopes near and above treeline. Another round of snow Wednesday night will deepen existing slabs. The easterly component of the winds means you may find slabs in uncommon locations--pay close attention to clues of wind effect as you travel.  Use caution when approaching open slopes steeper than 35 degrees; with a variety of weak snow grains found over the mid-January firm crust,  shallow slab avalanches may be easier to trigger than you expect. One of the photos in the gallery below shows surface hoar that was likely buried on Sunday in the neighboring Chinook Pass area. Even if you do not find buried surface hoar, weak and faceted snow sits between the firm ice layer and the new snow.

If you're traveling in wind-sheltered terrain, you may trigger small loose snow avalanches on steep terrain features.  These avalanches may run fast and easily above the old rain crust from mid-January. Small avalanches of any type can still cause you trouble when paired with terrain traps like cliff bands, thick trees, or exposed obstacles. 

New snow has recently accumulated at lower elevations, however thin snow cover is still maintaining challenging travel conditions. Expect plenty of exposed obstacles, open creeks,  and patches of bare ground. Wherever you find enough snow to travel without difficulty expect that you could trigger an avalanche within the new snow above the old icy surface.

If you're out in the East South zone, let us know what you see by submitting an observation.  Your observation is a way to share information with the local community and improve this avalanche bulletin. 

During the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, continue to follow the latest guidance from local, state, and federal health officials. Avoid unnecessary risks that could impact first responders and stress medical resources.  Wear a mask when appropriate, practice social distancing, and consider recreating closer to home.