West Slopes South

Cloudy skies, mild temperatures, and a generally strong upper snowpack should help limit the avalanche danger on Sunday. However, you could still encounter isolated pockets of unstable snow, especially in rocky or more complex terrain.

Minimal weather impacts and a relatively strong snowpack structure should result in generally safe avalanche conditions on Sunday. Despite moderate to strong winds, cloudy skies and mild temperatures will help limit the avalanche danger. Showers should arrive in the West-South zone before the end of the day. In many areas, this precipitation will begin as rain before transitioning to snow overnight. We don’t anticipate sufficient rain/snow to cause any significant risk.  However, that doesn’t mean you can’t encounter isolated pockets of unstable snow. 

Cloudy skies and mild temperatures Saturday night may hinder the refreezing of the snow surface in some locations. If the snow stays wet and weak, you may still trigger small loose wet slides on very steep slopes. You may encounter the weakest (or absent) refreeze in rocky terrain on southerly aspects. If you notice your boot sinking into wet snow past your ankle seek out more frozen or lower angled slopes. 

If you travel on to more shaded slopes with rocky or complex terrain, you could still find a lingering pocket of wind drifted snow. Don’t let one of these isolated thin wind slabs catch you off guard in high consequence terrain. Look for small drifts or changes in the surface texture of the snow to help you anticipate any potentially wind-loaded slopes. 

The snow you encounter will depend largely on aspect Sunday. On more northerly aspects, professionals continue to report 4-8” of soft settled snow well bonded to a recent crust (3/5). On slopes that received more direct sunshine this past week, the surface underwent several melt-freeze cycles. Below these surficial differences, the snowpack remains dry and layered. You can still identify many of the recent storms, crusts, and interfaces from the past month. (see media gallery for a recent snow profile.)

Given the change in snow by aspect, elevation, and overnight freeze, anticipate variable travel conditions. This may include wet heavy snow, breakable crust, firm surfaces, and soft settled powder. 

During the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, continue to follow the latest guidance from local, state, and federal health officials. Avoid unnecessary risks that could impact first responders and stress medical resources.  Wear a mask when appropriate, practice social distancing, and consider recreating closer to home.