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 deposited Sunday and Monday is continuing to stabilize with warm temperatures and sunshine. Wet loose avalanche activity was limited at upper elevations where wind compacted snow was slow to warm and ongoing winds kept the snow surface cool. Lower elevations saw some natural avalanche activity Wednesday which will limit the reactivity of the snow on Thursday.  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.

Continue to give cornices a wide berth as you travel along ridgelines and be aware of the overhead hazard if traveling on slopes below large cornices. Warm temperatures will weaken cornices and make them increasingly likely to collapse.

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.