Eastside Region

LOW avalanche danger continues at all elevations. While avalanche activity is unlikely, you should expect warming and increasingly soft surface snow on steep SE, S, SW and W aspects, particularly in confined terrain near rocks. Challenging travel is the primary concern due to the variability of the snow surfaces on all aspects, and the risk of a “slide for life” due to very firm and smooth snow in some locations, even below treeline.

Today’s weather will be similar to yesterday with clear skies, light to moderate winds near ridgetops and similarly very warm temperatures.

Steep slopes with direct sun (moving from SE thru W) will be the most likely locations to find small, isolated areas of unstable loose wet snow today. Be particularly mindful of areas with a thin snowpack that are confined by rocks such as gully features and couloirs where the effects of warming will be most pronounced. Rockfall may be an indication of concerning warming and should be kept in the front of your mind if you find yourself in these areas. A helmet is prudent to protect from the threat of rockfall. Also monitor for increasing boot and ski penetration as the day progresses and the temperatures warm as a sign of rising loose wet snow instabilities. Field observations from steep S and SE facing terrain above treeline yesterday highlighted warm temperatures, light winds and soft snow surfaces, although not quite to concerning levels. Snow cover is waning on these aspects in most areas and two reports described some downclimbing and walking through rocks to access ribbons of snow or to cross burned out pieces of the terrain.

There are fewer stability concerns on NW, N and NE aspects where highly variable snow conditions prevail. Reports of pleasant skiing/riding in sheltered N facing terrain continue to trickle in where observers are finding soft, faceted snow surfaces. However, these areas have also been reported as being guarded by sticky, skin glopping snow due to the recent warm temperatures. Otherwise these aspects still harbor plenty of smooth and firm snow surfaces where the risk of a “slide for life” is very real, even below tree line. Keep your edges sharp, carry tools for navigating these slopes safely (ie: ski/boot crampons, ice-ax/whippet) and know how to use them. Consider the consequence of a fall while climbing or descending before committing to any slope like this. A lot of the upper elevations feature a three dimensional snow surface thanks to relentless winds and a complete lack of new snow to smooth things out.

Close to 6 weeks without precipitation has left us with a dwindling snowpack in some areas. Obstacles such as rocks, small trees and downed logs are creeping toward the surface or have become fully exposed. Dial back the speed and be mindful of the changing conditions.