West Slopes South

A change in the weather with cloudy skies and colder temperatures should help the snowpack gain strength and reduce the avalanche danger. However, you may still encounter residual wet snow hazards in isolated areas. If you find a wet and punchy surface steer around nearby steep slopes.

Winter-like weather should slowly return to the West-South zone on Wednesday. Cooler temperatures, cloudy skies, and increasing winds will help the snowpack freeze and limit any avalanche hazard. Despite this downtrend in danger, don’t expect the wet snow issues to stop on a dime. You could continue to see snow shed from steep rocky slopes or glide avalanches fail even after temperatures cool. While we expect any avalanche activity to remain isolated, pay attention to the terrain above you. Don’t linger underneath crevasse-like glide cracks, in areas where you see snow still clinging to the rocks, or on slopes below cornices. At lower elevations, warmer temperatures could keep the snow surface from freezing. While natural loose wet avalanche will be very unlikely, if you push hard on a very steep slope you may cause some of this weak surface snow to slide downhill. If you encounter wet and punchy surface conditions, keep these small avalanches on your mind. 

By the end of the day, precipitation should return to the region.  However, the minimal rain/snow during the day should not present any avalanche concerns. Overnight this will change as the storm intensifies. Watch for a shift to new snow avalanche concerns and an increase in danger by Thursday morning. 

You may encounter a variety of snow conditions Wednesday including wet heavy snow, breakable crust, icy surfaces, and even settled powder. Make sure to plan for these potentially difficult conditions. 

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.