West Slopes South

Tuesday will bring generally safe avalanche conditions, but slick and variable surfaces could make for difficult travel. Even with cooling temperatures, there's a chance of snow shedding from rocks and cliffs or a collapsing cornice. Limit your time standing beneath these features, and bring the proper equipment for firm conditions.

Monday morning brought a light surface crust across most of the West South, but it didn’t last long once the sun came out. Temperatures climbed again, with 5000' temperatures pushing toward 60°F by mid-afternoon. A few older avalanches were reported, but the most recent activity occurred Sunday afternoon.

Temperatures will cool Monday night into Tuesday, lowering freezing levels into the mid elevations. The cooling will be more noticeable in the northern part of the zone, while areas farther south, like Mount St. Helens, may not see as much of a drop. Winds will also increase, with moderate to strong speeds along ridgelines. Cooling temperatures should do a good job of reducing wet avalanche activity on Tuesday, but firm and rough surfaces could make for challenging travel, especially at higher elevations on the volcanoes. If you’re heading into the backcountry, bring proper equipment to prevent long, sliding falls.

Even with cooler temperatures, snow could still shed from rocks and cliffs. Cornices have taken on a lot of sun recently and are beginning to sag. Limit time on or below these features, as even small releases could knock you off your feet.

Snow coverage continues to thin after extended warm weather, especially on sunny aspects at lower elevations. Expect more obstacles, open creeks, and tricky navigation, and plan extra time for travel.