East Slopes South
Avalanche danger
Highlights
Very dangerous avalanche conditions are expected as new snow and wind will cause avalanches up to 3ft deep. Avoid going on or underneath open slopes steeper than 30 degrees. Only travel in the backcountry if you are confident in your ability to avoid avalanche terrain.
Avalanche Discussion
On February 8, a snow biker triggered an avalanche in the neighboring East Central zone and was buried and killed. For more details and information, see the Accident Reports page and the post-incident investigation video below. Our condolences to family, friends and the local community following this tragic event.
----------------------------------------------------------------
More snow and wind will push the snowpack over the edge. Very dangerous conditions exist at all elevations. Expect widespread natural avalanches that could break widely over terrain features. Persistent slab avalanches could run on a recently buried weak layer or they could involve deeper layers resulting in an unsurvivable and very large slide. The largest avalanches may start on leeward, wind-loaded slopes near and above treeline. watch for blowing snow, wind-stiffened snow, drifts, and cracks shooting through the snow as signs of recent wind loading.
Avoid all slopes steeper than 30 degrees. Make sure to put more than enough space between where you travel and anywhere that an avalanche could start or come down from above. Only stop and regroup well out from under and away from any avalanche path. Stay far away from cornices looming over wind-loaded slopes. Cornice can break and trigger an avalanche.
Up to 2ft of new snow has fallen in the zone since the 11th. On Monday, an observer reported a natural avalanche at 5880ft on a west aspect near Bethal Ridge. Previous snow surfaces are suspected to be a mix of weak, and perhaps faceted grain types. An observer at White Pass found widely propagating storm slabs that were acting in surprising ways (see below), as they failed over these weak snow surfaces.
If you're out in East South, help improve this bulletin by submitting an observation.
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.