East Slopes Central

Minimal new snow and a daily melt-freeze cycle are limiting most avalanche concerns. However, you may see small wet avalanches from steep rocky terrain in direct sun. Lower elevations are melting out quickly, be cautious of freshly exposed obstacles and open creek holes.  

The Fish Lake SNOTEL picked up .5" of SWE on March 29th. Surprisingly, when I ventured out on Friday to ground truth snow totals in the Salmon la Sac area, I only found 1-2 inches of snow over a thick supportable crust. With minimal new snow, avalanches concerns are limited. But keep in mind that some small wet loose avalanches may initiate from steep rocky terrain in direct sun. Cornices are shedding and failing as well, so try to avoid lingering underneath these colossal chunks of snow. These are a significant hazard on their own, but they may also trigger a wet loose avalanche on the slope below. 

A couple of inches of recent snow is overlying the crust in some areas. With a significant winter storm that may impact the region late on Sunday, it is important to take note of these snow surfaces. Slick, icy crusts may be a good sliding surface, and weak snow on the surface could be a potential weak layer. Let us know what you find by submitting an observation.

Expect difficult travel on icy surfaces in the morning, and slopes in direct sun may still shed snow and become wet and punchy by the afternoon. Access is becoming increasingly challenging at lower elevations for the east slopes of the Cascades. Be prepared for snowmobile trails to have patches of bare ground and holes to navigate. Creeks are opening up, and hazards such as stumps and rocks are beginning to melt out. Travel cautiously to avoid impacts with hidden obstacles.