Eastside Region

Triggering an avalanche remains unlikely. Be cautious of isolated instabilities near and around extreme terrain features. Specialized tools like an ice axe and crampons may be necessary on slick and variable surfaces. 

Today will be the coldest day of the week. Low overnight temperatures have allowed for many slick, crusted, or old wind-affected surfaces to facet. This may make for softer travel conditions in certain areas. Isolated loose snow instabilities in extreme terrain are not impossible.  In many areas you may see breakable crusts and slick surfaces lying over a weakening upper snowpack. Take caution while traveling across various surface conditions. A fall in even benign terrain may have elevated consequences. The snowpack is shallow, with many obstacles buried just beneath the surface.

As we look ahead to the potential of snow later this week, take stock of surface conditions, snow coverage, and any weak faceted snow that lies in the upper snowpack. This will help us know what to look for and expect when the new snow (hopefully) falls.