East Slopes South

Avalanche conditions are generally safe around the East South zone. Increasing wind speeds may drift around small amounts of snow at the highest elevations, so keep an eye out for small wind slabs in leeward, alpine terrain. Challenging access and firm snow will continue to be your most significant mountain hazard. 

A weak system will bring an uptick in wind speeds on Thursday night. Unfortunately, this system is mostly dry, so don’t expect to see much more than a few flurries around the East South mountains. The bigger message with this system will be the colder temperatures that follow it. Freezing levels are forecast to be in the 3000 ft range, which is significantly lower than in past days. So with that, expect very little or no surface softening on solar aspects like we’ve enjoyed in the past days.

The extended high pressure has created variable travel across the zone. However, good riding can still be found on open north-northeast aspects. Observations have confirmed good turns in dry snow at upper elevations in neighboring zones. Forecasters found soft recycled powder - faceting snow at the surface - around 4800 ft on Snoqualmie Pass which means crusts are beginning to break down.

With dry snow lingering, it's good practice to consider wind slabs as you climb into more exposed, alpine areas. If you were to find unstable wind-drifted snow, it would likely be in a piece of complex, rocky terrain at upper elevations such as this recent triggered slide in the West North zone. Investigate for instability if you see blowing snow. 

Firm travel conditions will continue to be your most significant hazard in the mountains. Aspect changes can make a big difference. So with that, be sure to pack the appropriate traction and tools to travel more comfortably and securely in steeper terrain. 

If you get out, let us know what you see by submitting a public observation.