East Slopes South

We'll enjoy a bit of fresh snow on Tuesday. It likely isn't enough to increase the danger, but watch for deeper pockets of wind-drifted snow where you could trigger a small avalanche. Look for blowing snow, cornice formations, and textured drifts to identify suspect slopes. 

As we welcome a return to wintery weather, expect 2-3 inches of snow by Tuesday afternoon, along with moderate to strong winds. There isn't much soft snow on the ground to add depth to shallow new wind slabs. However, with snow falling on weak and slick surfaces, these small avalanches could be touchy and easy to trigger. The likelihood of triggering a small avalanche in alpine terrain will increase as the afternoon progresses. Identify wind slab locations using visual clues like actively blowing snow, textured surfaces, and drift formations around rocks and trees. The most likely spots for wind slabs are below corniced ridges, near rock outcrops, the base of cliffs, and narrow chutes or gullies. You can use quick hand pits or small test slopes to see how the snow reacts. If slabs of snow slide easily in these tests, avalanches are more likely. 

A common saying is that "low danger doesn't mean no danger." So, continue to practice safe travel techniques such as exposing only one person on a slope at a time, carrying avalanche rescue gear, and making snowpack observations as you travel to gain more information. Shooting cracks or audible whumphs are bullseye signs of unstable snow. Hard over soft layering or hollow-sounding drifts also indicate avalanches are possible. You don't need a large avalanche to ruin your day. Even a small avalanche can have dire consequences in the wrong terrain - especially during early season conditions like we have right now. 

Early season conditions still exist across much of the zone. Look for hidden hazards such as downed trees, stumps, creeks, and rocks. 

Kick off the new year by sending us a public observation!