Eastside Region

LOW avalanche hazard persists at all elevations.  Significant avalanche activity will be unlikely today however areas of unstable snow may exist on isolated terrain features throughout the forecast area and variable surface conditions will make for challenging travel. Evaluate terrain carefully, continue to use safe travel techniques, and be on the lookout for isolated areas of unstable snow.

Shallow coverage and our variable & challenging surfaces remain our greatest concern in the backcountry. However, Isolated areas of unstable snow may be possible to find throughout the forecast area. Thin areas of reactive wind slab may exist on northerly aspects near and above treeline. Features that encourage drifting such as the leeward sides of ridgelines, alpine couloirs, gully features, and cross-loaded depressions are worth evaluation. Particularly at higher elevations, in complex and extreme terrain, and in areas that received measurable snow accumulation during yesterday’s brief storm. Remember that even a small panel of unstable snow could knock you off your feet or cause a bad fall in high consequence areas.

Cold overnight temperatures and clear skies led to a solid refreeze last night which will help keep surface warming from becoming problematic. In general, solar aspects are quite thin or completely dry and areas containing old snow have largely been cooked down at this point. Northerly and easterly aspects contain a much more transitional snowpack. These may be areas of greater concern as temperatures warm today and the strong March sun impacts the forecast area.  Keep an eye out for early warning signs such as sticky & moist surface snow, rollerballs & pinwheels, rockfall, and increasing boot penetration. These are all clues that may foreshadow larger point-release avalanches. Be wary of your exposure to terrain hazards, bring the proper equipment, and be prepared to retreat to more shaded aspects if you notice that surface warming is reaching concerning levels.

Join us at 6 pm tonight at Mammoth Brewery for our final education event of the 2021/22 season! ESAC forecasters will be discussing typical springtime hazards and the state of the snowpack. We Hope to see you there!