East Slopes South

Human-triggered and natural avalanches remain unlikely on Wednesday. Slick, refrozen surfaces and challenging low-elevation travel will be your bigger hazards. Continue to practice safe travel rituals and be mindful of the consequences of a slip in steep terrain. 

It's been over 10 days since the East South has experienced precipitation and below freezing temperatures above 6000 ft. Wet avalanche concerns have mainly run their course and generally safe avalanche conditions exist across the forecast area. While triggering an avalanche is unlikely, it may not be impossible to push a small wet loose in very steep sun exposed terrain or see a cornice shed during the heat of the day. Wednesday will likely be the last day to enjoy sun-softened slopes as freezing levels begin to drop. 

As we start experiencing a gradual cooling trend in the coming days, your more significant hazard will be the firm, refrozen surfaces that plague the range. Consider packing crampons and an ice axe if you venture into steep terrain.

Travel is especially challenging at lower elevations and on south-facing slopes, where bare ground, open creeks, holes, and downed trees are widespread. These low-tide obstacles could easily exacerbate the consequences of a small avalanche or long sliding fall. 

Low avalanche danger doesn't mean no danger. Continue practicing safe travel techniques, such as exposing only one person at a time in avalanche terrain and carry a functioning beacon, shovel, and probe. 

Submit an observation online or on the AvyApp if you get out! Your information helps NWAC Forecasters write more accurate forecasts.