East Slopes South

Triggering an avalanche is unlikely as freezing levels continue to drop. Your bigger hazard will likely be long, sliding falls in steep terrain and rugged travel.  Low danger doesn't mean no danger; continue to practice safe travel rituals and equip yourself with the proper gear for slick mountain travel.

Its been well over 10 days since the East South has experienced precipitation and temperatures below freezing at upper elevations. This will start to change as freezing levels start to drop on Thursday and Friday.  Wet snow instabilities could linger for one more day on steep - rocky, sun-exposed slopes during the heat of the day on Thursday.  However, this cooling trend should largely put wet snow instabilities to bed and create tougher travel over slick crusts, particularly on east- south- west aspects that caught significant sun and warming over the last week. Northerly aspects are generally softer with weakening snow surfaces and brittle crusts. 

The extended high pressure and warm mountain temperatures have left their mark on the mountain snowpack. There is very little snow across lower elevations and steep south-facing and windward terrain. You’ll find a more meaningful snowpack ranging from 2-3 ft as you move onto north and east aspects. No matter what aspect you’re on, you’ll likely find a common theme of low-tide conditions and plenty of early-season obstacles to navigate. These could easily worsen the consequences of a long, sliding fall or a small avalanche. 

Continue to use best practice travel techniques, such as exposing only one person at a time in avalanche terrain and carrying a functioning beacon, shovel, and probe. 

Submit an observation online or on the AvyApp if you get out! Your information helps NWAC Forecasters write more accurate forecasts.