East Slopes South

You’ll find generally safe avalanche conditions in the East South zone. Triggering a lingering pocket of wind drifted snow has trended unlikely, but not impossible in steep, rocky, alpine terrain. Continue to use normal caution and be prepared for slick, variable surfaces. 

We’re heading into our 10th day of LOW avalanche danger in the East South forecast area. The only difference for this weekend will be the stronger NE winds and colder temperatures. This combination will likely keep solar slopes from softening like we’ve enjoyed in past days. 

The snowpack has endured a beating over the last week of high pressure. Lower elevations are challenging, surfaces are slick, and some steeper solar aspects have melted down to bare ground. That said, good riding on ‘recycled powder’ can still be found on open slopes facing north or east. 

Triggering a wind slab has trended unlikely, but it may not be impossible. The most likely place to find this avalanche problem is steep, rocky leeward terrain above treeline. Look for blowing snow, stiff-textured slabs, and shooting cracks as clues of unstable wind slabs.

Firm, variable travel will continue to be the most significant, non-avalanche hazard during this period. Long, sliding falls have been reported in neighboring zones in past days, so consider packing the proper gear and be cognizant of runaway machines on icy slopes. 

A pattern change is on the way later next week. The extended high pressure has left a patchwork of weak surfaces in the form of near-surface facets, surface hoar, and decomposing crusts. These will be surfaces to track over the next week before snow starts to fly.

Let us know what you see. Submit an observation here.