East Slopes South

Cooling temperatures should create firm conditions during the morning hours with softening as the day progresses. If the snow surface becomes sticky or you break through a crust, you could trigger a small avalanche on a steep sun-warmed slope. Reduce your exposure to cornices on the slopes above and anticipate the transition to spring snow coverage.

The last storm on 3/28 into 3/29 dropped up to 10" of snow in the East South zone. High temperatures ranged from 48-54 F each day Wednesday through Saturday at Bumping Ridge (4600 ft). These temperatures combined with the dry well have helped to form strong crusts on most aspects. Cooler temperatures with a high near 40F at 5000 ft on Sunday should further reduce the risk of wet avalanches. Keep in mind that the spring sun remains strong and can break down surface crusts quickly. Monitor surface conditions carefully and if you find moist or wet snow you can sink into up to your ankle, you could trigger a wet avalanche on a steep slope. If you encounter these conditions, steer around higher consequence terrain and seek colder, firmer aspects. Maintain an eye out for nearby fresh avalanche activity as a warning sign that the upper snowpack may be destabilizing more than we expect. 

A glide avalanche in the Snoqualmie Pass zone on 4/3 reminds us that the spring transition can surprise us. Keep glide avalanches in mind if you see snowpack continuing to cling to wet rocks and reduce your exposure.

Continue to give cornices a wide berth as you travel along ridgelines and be aware of the overhead hazard if traveling on slopes below these giant masses. Warm temperatures will weaken the snow and ice holding them up, making them increasingly likely to collapse.

As we continue into spring, we're experiencing a gradual transition from a colder layered snowpack to a wet spring snowpack. That transition takes place from the top down. If you dig down in the snow, pay attention to how deeply meltwater has percolated, and please consider sharing your finding on the public observations page. This will improve our ability to forecast wet avalanche problems as the spring snowpack evolves.

Observers in the Tieton River drainage on 3/27 found low elevation and steep south-facing slopes starting to melt out as the calendar approaches April. After a week of mild weather, expect more melt out, flowing streams, and exposed rocks.

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.