East Slopes South

Expect the avalanche hazard to increase on Friday as windy conditions combine with new snow to form slabs at any elevation. In some areas, avalanches could break into older snowlayers and produce large and deadly slide.

While this storm doesn’t look huge for the East South area, it should bring significant winds and a few inches of new snow. You could trigger avalanches in places where the winds drift the snow into deeper slabs. Blowing snow may serve as your simplest observations to identify wind loaded slopes. Drifts behind objects and changes in the depth of soft snow may also help you pick out potential trouble spots. Strong westerly winds could form slabs on exposed features at any elevation. 

We don’t know much about the snowpack structure of the East South area. However, all other zones in the Washington Cascades show persistent slabs in their forecasts. It may be a safe bet that persistent weak layers exist at least in some parts of this region too. In most areas, weak facets sit above a very thick and prominent crust (1/13). These sugary grain failed in avalanches in both adjacent zones (East Central and West South). While you can use snow profiles and snowpack tests to find and monitor these layers, don’t risk your life based on one hole in the snow. Avalanches are most likely to fail on persistent grains underneath wind loaded pockets. As a result, give all steep wind-loaded slopes a very wide berth. If you dig in the snow, help us find and track these potentially dangerous layers by submitting an observation. 

At lower elevations, a thin snowpack still exists in many locations. Shallowly buried obstacles, open creeks, and bare ground may block your path. The snowpack should increase dramatically as you ascend in elevation and get closer to the crest. 

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.