Wind slabs have formed across a wide range of terrain.
Carefully assess for slabs before entering big or committing terrain features.
Back off of sunny slopes if the surface turns moist.
Strong to extreme winds have redistributed recent snow, forming wind slabs on lee terrain features and building cornices. These winds may have affected areas farther downslope than normal due to their strength.
Sun and rising temperatures may melt the surface snow on steep solar affected slopes, creating the potential for wet loose sluffs. Use extra caution on sun-exposed slopes, if the snow surface is moist or wet.
No avalanches have been reported in the past few days in the Cascades.
Looking forward, triggering wind slabs and wet loose avalanches may be possible on Saturday.
If you head out, please consider posting your observations to the Mountain Information Network.
Recent snow has been heavily affected by the strong to extreme westerly winds. Expect scoured windward slopes and wind slabs at all elevations on lee slopes.
A crust/ facet layer can be found 30 to 60 cm deep across the region. Recent observations and tests suggest the snow is well-bonded to this layer, and it is not currently a concern. Check out this MIN report for more details.
The snowpack below is strong and well-bonded.
Friday Night
Cloudy. 1 to 4 cm of snow. 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C. Freezing level 1000 m.
Saturday
Mix of sun and clouds. 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level rising to 1700 m.
Sunday
Sunny. 10 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 4 °C. Freezing level rising to 2300 m.
Monday
Mostly sunny. 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 1 °C. Freezing level 2100 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
