Eastside Region

Avalanches are unlikely, but not impossible. In chutes and bowls below ridgelines, old hard wind slabs over weak snow could pose an isolated hazard. Good travel techniques include riding one at a time and limiting your exposure to large cornices. Hard and variable surface conditions deserve consideration if you plan to venture into steep terrain.

Extreme wind events over the past week have left hardened surfaces at all elevations and large cornices above ridgelines. Wind slab avalanches ran naturally on northerly aspects at all elevations midweek. Observers reported chunky hard slab debris and evidence of cornice failures. Signs of instability have waned and localized cracking has been the primary feedback from old hard wind deposits. 

On isolated slopes facing north and east, older, dense, wind deposits are resting on weak underlying snow. This structure is the source of lingering concerns over triggered avalanches. You’re most likely to find these hard slabs mid-slope, further down from ridgelines than you may expect, and near treeline. Though hard wind slabs may feel strong under a rider's weight, they can fail in unexpected ways. You’re most likely to trigger them near the edges where slabs are thinner, or near shallow trigger points near rock outcrops. They can break above you and propagate over long distances. Hollow, upside-down feeling snow and shooting cracks are clues to track. Remember that even small avalanches may have big consequences above terrain traps or in extreme terrain.

Mostly clear skies and much warmer temperatures today will likely result in some surface melting. On sunny slopes, hard melt-freeze crusts up to 3 inches thick should limit the potential for sizeable loose wet activity.

A patchwork of soft snow exists in the most wind-sheltered terrain.

Beyond the concern for isolated instabilities today, challenging and variable riding conditions should be factored into your travel plans. Tools like ski or boot crampons and an ice ax may be necessary equipment depending on where you want to go.