East Slopes South

Sunshine and rapidly rising temperatures will weaken the surface snow and increase the likelihood that you can trigger a wet loose avalanche on sun-exposed slopes steeper than 35 degrees. Use caution on slopes receiving direct sunshine where you find wet snow surfaces. 

Up to 10" of fresh snow was deposited Sunday and Monday which will react quickly to Wednesday's sunshine. Increasing clouds and cool air prevented a widespread loose wet cycle from occurring on Tuesday. More sunshine and even warmer temps should create conditions for loose wet avalanches on Wednesday.

Fresh snow deposited Sunday and Monday will react quickly to Wednesday's sunshine. Most areas stayed cool as clouds developed Tuesday preventing a significant warm-up.  Therefore, the recent storm snow retains the potential for wet loose avalanches to occur on steep sunny slopes.  Wet loose avalanches may release naturally below steep rock faces that catch the sun.  If you see pinwheels or rollerballs,  or find yourself sinking into wet surface snow more than ankle deep,  choose slopes less than 35 degrees or seek shadier terrain. Trees beginning to shed snow or drip water are a clear sign that wet loose avalanches can be triggered.

Strong west winds formed stiff wind slabs at upper elevations and may have formed slabs further downslope than you'd normally expect.  Avoid open slopes steeper than 35 degrees where you find freshly drifted and wind-stiffened snow. Look for these signs of wind slabs on midslope features and just below cornices. Give cornices a wide berth as you travel along ridgelines and be aware of the overhead hazard if traveling on slopes below large cornices. Use can use small test slopes to gauge how the new snow has bonded to the old snow surface (likely the 3/28 melt-freeze crust).  

Observers out in the Tieton River drainage on Saturday found low elevation and steep south-facing slopes starting to melt out as the calendar approaches April. 

Cornices near the Cascade Crest are large and may be ready to fail.  Give them a wide berth as you travel along ridgelines and be aware of the overhead hazard if traveling on slopes below large cornices.

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.