East Slopes South

The risk of an isolated generally small avalanche continues to trend lower. Cornices and other wet avalanche concerns will peak during the mid-day hours. Firm, icy surfaces and low snow hazards remain persist during the ongoing spring-like weather.

We're a week into a warm, dry pattern and we don't have any direct snowpack data for the East South zone. The East South zone largely remained drier and less impacted by the rainfall that zones further north received January 11-13th. For example, White Pass picked up less than 0.2" of rain. Therefore, conditions may be more similar to the West South zone than the East Central zone.

Although the danger is low in the East South, there are hazards out there:

• Although the zone was mostly spared from rain last weekend, there are still buried crusts where meltwater could be pooling, creating instability. Ultimately, wet slab and, less commonly, glide avalanches are poorly understood and notoriously unpredictable, even with the best snowpack data. Consider digging down to the first major crust that you find in the snowpack and note any free water on top of it. If you find free water, consider managing the problem by shifting aspects or choosing slopes low-angle slopes.
• Slick surface crusts have presented challenging travel conditions throughout the Cascades in recent days. You could take a long sliding fall. Treat your outing like you would in springtime. Bring the tools you need to arrest a fall if you cross steep, icy slopes.
• If these crusts break down, and you punch into wet snow, you could trigger a wet loose avalanche. This is more likely in shallow snowpack areas or near rocks heating in the sun.
• Drooping cornices may break back farther than you expect along ridgelines, and represent a risk when large blocks break off and slide down a slope below. Cornices are softest under direct sunshine during the mid-day hours.
• Open creeks may be opening up (like they were in the Teanaway), and early season obstacles are very much back in play. Some slopes lack snow entirely. Plan extra time for travel and be cautious on the descent for rocks and other obstacles that you might not have encountered a week ago.

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