East Slopes Central

The snowpack is in a fairly predictable pattern: freezing solid overnight and softening on sunny slopes in the afternoon. This continued mett-freeze cycle has resulted in minimal avalanche concerns. Instead, thin snow cover and exposed objects have emerged as the main dangers in the mountains. 

Another long, clear night, another warm, sunny day… We’ve been stuck in a persistent weather pattern since last Tuesday, and it’s not going anywhere anytime soon. The good news about this repeated melt-freeze process is that it has resulted in generally safe avalanche conditions. Even though the zone is painted green (low danger), don’t see it as a full ‘good to go’ endorsement. A cornice could still collapse, a block of snow might fall from a cliff, or you may push a pile of wet snow in the heat of the afternoon. Any of these avalanches would be very unlikely, but not entirely out of the question. Don’t shut your brain off. If the snow and terrain around you isn’t what you expected, stop and reevaluate. 

Despite some locations staying above 32F, the snow surface continues to freeze each night. Expect slick and often icy surfaces to start the day. This could result in a long, uncontrolled fall if you aren’t ready. Temperature inversions, valley fog, and cool eastlery winds may keep some slopes firm longer on Sunday.  While sunny aspects should soften, anything in the shade frequently stays locked up. 

Temperature inversions have made it very cold down in the valleys and at many trailheads. Don’t let that fool you. Most middle and upper elevation weather stations haven’t dipped below freezing in nearly a week. Between last weekend’s rain, the ongoing warm temperature, and ample sunshine, the snowpack took a huge hit this week. Conditions are the worst at lower elevations and on southerly aspects. Bare ground, open creeks, random holes, and downed logs continue to make travel challenging. Between the icy slopes and all the obstacles, simply traveling in the mountains will be a much bigger hazard than avalanches. As we impatiently await a change back to winter, you might as well enjoy the sunshine and beautiful mountain views.