West Slopes South

Until we receive significant snowfall, travel conditions will be the biggest hazard in the mountains. Bring the right tools to manage variable surfaces and know how to use them properly. Although the weather is shifting slightly, don't expect much change in the snowpack or avalanche potential. 

You're going to want to dress in layers and bring a couple of jackets on Wednesday, because the temperature forecast is confusing, to say the least. Luckily, you can bank on sunshine, fairly calm winds, and little avalanche potential if you're out enjoying the mountains. Slopes that receive direct sunshine could soften somewhat but don't count on it. Bring the right tools to navigate firm conditions safely.

Once you've got your 10 essentials plus our other recommended gear, you'll be ready to head to the hills. Travel conditions will be the greatest hazards you encounter on Wednesday. Out in the open, surfaces are generally smooth but highly variable. Pockets of softer snow are interspersed with breakable crusts and icy slopes. Numerous observations have indicated that long, uncontrolled slides are possible on slick, firm crusts. Unfortunately, these open areas are the lesser of two evils. In the woods, travel is reportedly worse. Tree bombs, ice blocks, and tracks combine into a frozen coral reef that is difficult to navigate. Then there are the open creeks, random holes, and avalanche debris to climb over or steer around. These will add time and stress to your day, even on a familiar journey.

In terms of avalanches and snowpack, we’re currently focused on areas of softer snow over the 1/10 crust. Reports of widespread surface hoar and near-surface facets continue to pour in. Additionally, observations indicate faceting above and below the 1/10 crust in some areas. On Monday, avalanche professionals got propagating test results on the 1/10 in the Crystal Mountain area. The slope was slightly wind-loaded, resulting in the slab necessary to perform such tests. If you're exploring the remote or high-elevation parts of the zone and come across wind-loaded snow, consider the possibility of it overlaying these weak grains and breaking easily or widely given the right terrain.