Central Cascades

Problemas de aludes

• 

  Wind Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alta montaña
  • Límite del bosque
  • Bajo el límite del bosque

  Probabilidad

  Possible

  Tamaño

  1–2

  The big change with this problem is that the northeast and east winds on Thursday were moving a lot of snow. The wind was blasting and plumes of blowing snow were visible on many of the high peaks and ridges near and above treeline. This was different from what the weather forecast was calling for, but it is a good reminder we need to be aware of changing and unexpected conditions. I am moving this problem to all aspects. The existing wind slabs on the easterly aspects are trending toward stubborn to non reactive. On these aspects it will be less likely to trigger a wind slab but still something to watch for. New wind slabs that formed on westerly aspects will be more reactive to triggering.  Isolated terrain features have the potential to produce large avalanches. Steep, and unsupported terrain are the suspect slopes where avalanches are more likely to be triggered. Utilize snowpack testing such as hand sheer tests. Look for signs of cracking in the slab on small safe test slopes, as an inidicator that wind slab avalanches can happen.

  

• 

  Cornices

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alta montaña
  • Límite del bosque
  • Bajo el límite del bosque

  Probabilidad

  Possible

  Tamaño

  1–2.5

  Cornices can weaken during times of warming and direct sun exposure. Don't linger under cornices. Be especially cautious at ridge tops. Observers have been finding cornices to break easily in the last few days. It can be difficult to tell where a cornice is when approaching from behind. Try to get a good vantage point before stepping onto a ridge if you can't see over the other side. Breaking through a cornice can lead to an unexpected fall down the slope below. 

  

• 

  Loose Wet

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alta montaña
  • Límite del bosque
  • Bajo el límite del bosque

  Probabilidad

  Possible

  Tamaño

  1

  The upper elevations will remain a little cooler and wet loose avalanches will be more promintent around rocks on the steep slopes that can heat up and shed snow and ice causing wet loose avalanches on the slopes below. The lower elevations will be warmer and wet loose avalanches may be more widespread. Watch for signs like roller balls and the snow surface becoming wet and slushy (to ankle deep or more) as an indicator that wet loose avalanches are possible. Wet loose avalanches will be more of a problem in steeper terrain, think 35 + degrees and on slopes in the direct sun. Use timing and aspect to reduce your exposure to wet avalanches.....i.e. move to slopes that are not in the direct sun.