Eastside Region

Generally stable avalanche conditions exist. Exercise caution in exposed or extreme terrain. Anticipate variable surface conditions and adjust your travel plans if you encounter signs of unstable snow.

Prolonged, stable weather has created generally stable avalanche conditions. While isolated instabilities may exist in extreme terrain, there are several other factors to consider when planning your day. The snow line is rising, and creeks are beginning to open as daytime highs reach the upper 40s/low 50s. Variable surface conditions could make travel difficult in some areas. Melt-freeze crusts, transitional snow,  near-surface facets, and wind-affected snow could all be found on the same tour. Skiers and riders have been taking advantage of favorable conditions across the forecast area and are still finding enjoyable sliding on protected and shaded aspects. However, increasing cloud cover may trap solar radiation, leading to some surface melt on these same shaded aspects. While not a major stability concern, this could lead to variable travel as surface snow becomes sticky and heavy.  Plan accordingly and consider bringing specialized equipment depending on where you wish to travel. Tools like skin wax, or your sharps kit (boot and/or ski crampons, and an ice ax) may prove useful as you navigate variable surface conditions.

A quick-moving storm may bring scattered showers to the range overnight and into tomorrow. While the most significant impacts from this system will arrive in the form of gusty winds, if and when new snow starts to accumulate, you can expect a modest rise in avalanche hazard.