South Side: Hogsback and Old Chute

We didn't have to go far to find signs of warming today. There was plenty of icefall and signs of recent wet loose avalanches that likely released in the last 1-2 days that were triggered from icefall. While most of these were small ( D1's), they were certainly large enough to push a climber, skier, or splitboarder into unwanted terrain like fumaroles and rocks. Despite the warm temperatures and high freezing levels, surfaces are still firm during the early morning hours. It will be essential to carry the proper traction and self-arrest tools to travel more securely and prevent a long sliding fall. However, by paying attention to timing and aspect, you can still score good, smooth corn skiing across the upper mountain.

It looks like the warm weather is here to stay, so be ready for warming-induced hazards as temperatures heat up daily. Climb early, bring your sharps/helmet, and be mindful of overhead hazards in the coming days. 

You can check out the full climbing report here. 

This last week's atmospheric river brought all forms of precipitation to the upper mountain which left variable and punchy surfaces across higher elevations. Southerly aspects have already transitioned back to a solid melt-freze cycle while more shaded aspects still hold cold snow that is still transitioning from dry to wet. If you travel on these more shaded slopes, pay attention to signs of warming like rollerball/pinwheels and deep boot penetration as these are often signs that wet loose avalanches may soon follow.