East Slopes South

The snowpack is generally stable and avalanches remain unlikely. Firm and icy surfaces will most likely be your greatest hazard. Expect the avalanche danger to rise Saturday night into Sunday as a significant winter storm impacts the region.

A long-awaited storm will bring a big change in conditions over the weekend. Saturday will be the transitionary day from a week of spring-like weather to the return of winter. For most of Saturday, there will still be plenty of variable surfaces to contend with out there. When the snow does start to fly, it should be a quick transition to whiteout conditions with plenty of blowing snow. Pay attention as the storm ramps up and keep your return routes in mind as visibility worsens throughout the day. The heaviest precipitation rates look to occur overnight Saturday, and snowfall should continue through Monday.

The recent weather pattern has taken a toll on the snowpack. Warm temperatures, sunshine, and strong winds all played a role in creating a wide variety of snow surfaces including icy slopes, rough frozen snow, and breakable crust. Many shallow spots in the snowpack continue to melt out, and rocks, trees, and creeks have reemerged. The greatest hazard you face may come from navigating the variable travel conditions and numerous obstacles. 

Last weekend, NWAC forecasters traveled to Darland Mountain in the East South zone and found a strong and stable snowpack. You can read more about the conditions in this observation. Unfortunately, many southern aspects and ridges melted out to bare ground, clear evidence of the extended dry, warm weather of January and early February. Check out more information about current snow depth climatology throughout the region HERE. Thankfully, valley inversions have preserved some snow at lower elevations, so the riding conditions and groomed trails are still open to travel.