West Slopes South

With minimal avalanche concerns in the mountains, travel conditions will be the primary hazard on Sunday. Firm slopes capable of producing a long, uncontrolled slide should be taken seriously. Make travel plans that allow you extra time to move around safely and avoid natural hazards.

Sunday will essentially be a carbon copy of Saturday, weather-wise. Therefore, don't expect much difference in avalanche or mountain travel conditions.

Inversions should be in place with cool temperatures down low and higher elevations slowly warming throughout the day. Avalanche potential remains close to zero. But remember that the mountains are inherently dangerous and can surprise you. Don't forget to use good travel techniques and consider limiting your time spent traveling below corniced ridgelines or chunks of snow hanging on rocky ledges. If you're headed for extreme terrain or high on the volcanoes, conditions can differ. Above our forecast zone, the potential for icefall on the volcanoes increases and should be managed similarly to other overhead hazards.

Instead of avalanches, you'll need to manage travel hazards on Sunday. Icy slopes are commonplace, leading to the possibility of long, uncontrolled slides. This hazard is often thought of as a "volcano problem", but in the current landscape, any firm slope can be dangerous if you slip and fall. Upper elevation temperatures may allow softening of sun-exposed slopes throughout the day, but it's not guaranteed. In fact, aspects that receive direct sunshine may contain more dirt than snow at this point. All the same, be sure to bring the right equipment to manage firm slopes, and know how to use it. 

You'll also need to manage open creeks, exposed bushes, rocks, holes, and bare ground. All of these hazards can add time to your travels.