Boletín de aludes

Snoqualmie Pass

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Peligro de aludes

Tue
Alta montaña
2 · Moderado
Límite del bosque
2 · Moderado
Bajo el límite
1 · Débil
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Desactualizado: este boletín caducó 6 years ago. Estás viendo condiciones pasadas, no el boletín vigente.

Lo esencial

Keep your attention focussed on features where the wind drifts the snow into slightly deeper and firmer deposits. You may trigger small avalanches on these slopes. Even small slides can hurt you if they carry you over a cliff, into a rock, or through trees.

Problemas de aludes

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alta montaña
    • Límite del bosque
    • Bajo el límite del bosque
    Probabilidad
    Possible
    Tamaño
    1

    Very strong winds and a few inches of snow could add up to new shallow wind slabs around the Pass Monday. Look for features where the snow forms slightly firmer and deeper deposits. Blowing snow, fresh cornices, and drifts can all point toward wind loaded slopes. With such strong winds, you may find potential slabs in some unusual locations like well below the ridge, along the sides of gullies, and on any aspect. You can easily avoid the wind slab hazard by locating the wind loaded feature and going around it. Seek out less wind affected, lower angle, or lower consequence terrain. Use extra caution if you travel above cliffs or in chutes where even small wind slabs could hurt you. 

    (1/9/2021) Example: Blowing snow and fresh cornices like this can indicate wind slabs may exist on the slope below.

Avalanche Discussion

We received a few reports of small skier triggered wind slabs from Saturday. Conditions on Monday look similar but with stronger winds and a few inches of fresh snow. We expect any avalanche activity to remain in the recent snow from the past few days. As temperatures warm in the afternoon, you could see new rollerballs and small loose avalanches at lower elevations. If you find the snow surface becoming wet and sticky, steer around nearby steep slopes. 

Observations from several avalanche classes in the Alpental Valley indicate, below the most recent snow, the upper snowpack is well settled and generally strong. It should handle this initial new snow load with ease. While you may still find subtle storm layers in the upper snowpack above the 1/1 crust, at this point we don’t anticipate avalanches breaking into these layers. Despite the generally deep and strong snowpack around Snoqualmie Pass, open creeks remain a significant hazard. Seek out safe crossings and give yourself extra time to navigate this non-avalanche hazard. 

Expect the avalanche hazard to change rapidly Monday night into Tuesday as a very wet and warm storm hits Snoqualmie Pass. Conditions may be very different by Tuesday. 

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.

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