West Slopes South

Expect general safe avalanche conditions Wednesday due to a very strong and often icy snowpack. Instead, plan for difficult and sometimes dangerous travel on firm slopes. Give yourself extra time and bring any tools you need to deal with this non-avalanche hazard.

Below an icy surface, alternating layers of stout crusts, refreezing wet snow, and strong rounded grains form a very robust upper snowpack. This should limit any avalanche hazard all across the West South zone. In some locations, a few inches of softer snow may cover the most recent crust and generally improve travel conditions. We anticipate a solidly frozen snow surface will struggle to thaw Wednesday due to mostly cloudy skies, cool temperatures, and a light breeze. Expect icy conditions to remain throughout the day. 

As a result, your greatest risk will likely come from traveling on firm slopes where even a simple slip may turn into a long and uncontrolled fall. At lower elevations, you may encounter more variable surfaces with pockets of soft snow, breakable crust, firms slopes, and open creeks. Traveling becomes much harder and sometimes dangerous in these conditions. Plan ahead by giving yourself more time and tools to negotiate these challenging surfaces.

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.