East Slopes South

Sunshine and rising temperatures will weaken the surface snow and increase the likelihood that you can trigger a wet loose avalanche on sun-exposed slopes steeper than 35 degrees. Use caution on slopes receiving direct sunshine where you find wet snow surfaces. The possibility of wind slabs lingering at higher elevations near cornices and on midslope features still exists after a windy couple of days. Look for wind-stiffened or textured surfaces and steer around features over 35 degrees where you see wind accumulated snow.

Up to 10" of fresh snow was deposited Sunday and Monday which will react quickly to Tuesday's sunshine. It is possible that convective clouds may form at some point in the day which may slow the formation of wet loose avalanches.  However, the days are long and sunshine is likely.  When the sun breaks out in your part of the mountain,  the potential for wet loose avalanches will rise on very steep sunny slopes.  Wet loose avalanches may release naturally below steep rock faces that catch the sun.  If you see pinwheels or rollerballs,  or find yourself sinking into wet surface snow more than ankle deep,  move to lower angle or a shadier terrain. Trees beginning to shed snow or drip water are a clear sign that wet loose avalanches can be triggered.

Strong west winds formed stiff wind slabs at upper elevations and may have formed slabs further downslope than you'd normally expect.  Avoid open slopes steeper than 35 degrees where you find freshly drifted and wind-stiffened snow. Look for these signs of wind slabs on midslope features and just below cornices. Give cornices a wide berth as you travel along ridgelines and be aware of the overhead hazard if traveling on slopes below large cornices. A cornice fall could trigger a slab avalanche on the slope below. Use can use small test slopes to gauge how the new snow has bonded to the old snow surface (likely the 3/28 melt-freeze crust).  

Observers out in the Tieton River drainage on Saturday found low elevation and steep south-facing slopes starting to melt out as the calendar approaches April. 

Cornices near the Cascade Crest are large and may be ready to fail.  Give them a wide berth as you travel along ridgelines and be aware of the overhead hazard if traveling on slopes below large cornices.

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.