General Avalanche Information
Issued
Friday, November 28, 2025 – 10:02AM
Author
Steve Mace
Eastside Region
Eastside RegionBottom Line
Shallowly buried obstacles and generally thin coverage are the primary hazards for backcountry enthusiasts. Areas with adequate coverage for winter recreation are primarily confined to shaded upper-elevation slopes. Isolated instabilities may exist in terrain with a more robust and layered snowpack.
Forecast Discussion
An active start to the winter season provided adequate coverage for some early-season travel, particularly in the northern part of the forecast area and at upper elevations.
Increasing winds and warming temperatures following our most recent storm event have left a variety of surface conditions across the range, and coverage on solar aspects at lower elevations has diminished. Meanwhile, on polar aspects and at higher elevations, the snowpack has started to facet and weaken. This trend is likely to continue until we see our next substantial load. While avalanches are unlikely, the consequences of being caught are elevated due to thin coverage and exposed obstacles.
ESAC will continue to update this early-season advisory as conditions evolve, and we will begin daily forecasts as soon as conditions allow. In the meantime, we have a few suggestions on things you can do to prepare for a successful backcountry season.
- Track which slopes maintain coverage. These are areas that may be concerning as new snow is added to the equation.
- If you haven’t yet, now is a great time to inspect your equipment for damage and fix or replace as necessary.
- Your beacon, shovel, and probe are particularly important to inspect closely to ensure they are in good working order. Follow this link for a good description of things to look for when you evaluate your avalanche rescue gear.
- For a great list of important things to look for when inspecting your skis, boots, and bindings, follow this link. Or for a video discussing the topic, follow this link.
- Don’t forget to inspect other equipment, such as your helmet, goggles, clothing, and backpack. Follow this link for a description of everyday things to keep in your touring pack.
- Use our Weather Resource page to track current conditions.
- Check out our Online Avalanche Education page for a wide variety of free online resources.
- If you head into the mountains, let us know what you see. Our Observations page is waiting for you.
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