East Slopes South

High snow levels will limit avalanche activity below 7000 ft. Above this, keep an eye out for small isolated wind slabs along ridgelines. You’re more likely to encounter challenging mountain travel and shallow early-season conditions.

The East-South did pretty well with precipitation on Tuesday. Weather stations across the zone recorded nearly a half inch of precipitation throughout the day. Unfortunately, much of this likely fell as rain at elevations below 7000 ft. Above this, you may find several inches of dense new snow. 

The forecast team thinks this new snow should settle out quickly. However, still be on the lookout for small, shallow wind slabs if you find yourself traveling along the highest ridgelines in the zone. 

With clearing skies Tuesday night, you may find a new crust at the surface on Wednesday morning. This crust should help limit wet loose avalanches, but as the day heats up, keep an eye out for the rollerballs on steep, sunny slopes. These will likely be confined to solar slopes above 7000 ft. 

You’re more likely to encounter challenging travel conditions. This season has offered a rollercoaster of fluctuating freezing levels, rain-on-snow events, and inversions. With that, be ready for a mixed bag of conditions out there. You may find slick, icy surfaces in more exposed alpine areas. On more shaded aspects above 7000 ft, observers in neighboring zones reported dry snow leading up to this system. So If you find yourself pushing to the high mountains during this period, be ready to complete your own snowpack assessment.

Lower elevations across the east-south have struggled to build a meaningful snowpack this season. As you travel, look for shallowly buried hazards that could ruin the rest of your season. 

You can add to the forecast by submitting a public observation!