Small wet loose and wind drifted snow will be the main problems to look for. Don't let a small avalanche knock you off your feet in consequential terrain. Long slides on firm surfaces and obstacles such as rocks, logs, and cliffs can make the outcome of a small avalanche worse.
As temperatures increase during the day, we could see some small wet loose avalanche activity. This problem will be isolated to steep, sunny slopes. Look for clues such as roller balls, pinwheels, wet/slushy snow, and recent avalanches. If you start to see these signs, it's time to move to shadier or lower-angle slopes.
Keep your eye out for small isolated wind slabs in the alpine and in extreme terrain. On Friday, while traveling around Broken Top, I was able to find a very small pocket of wind-drifted snow that produced some cracking. These are certainly trending to be more stable; however, keep your eye out for cracking and wind textured snow especially below ridglines. If you find signs of wind slabs, consider moving to lower or less consequential slopes.
(3/27/2026)
Very small and isolated cracking in wind drifted snow near Broken Top. North aspect 7,500ft.
Photo: Elliott Reed
Other hazards out there include sliding on firm surfaces and exposed obstacles such as rocks and logs. These hazards can increase the consequences of a small avalanche. Lastly, with warm temperatures, cornices will be more susceptible to breaking. It is always best to give cornices a wide distance as they can break back farther than expected.
