Avalanche Forecast

Clearing skies, cool temperatures and increasing northerly crest level winds are expected Monday. Watch for new shallow wind transport to more southerly facing slopes, especially near and above treeline where stronger winds are expected. 

Due to the low snowpack, especially below treeline, watch for terrain hazards such as open creeks, partially covered rocks and vegetation. Many areas below treeline do not have enough snow (new or existing) to pose an avalanche hazard. 

A warm and wet start to February, was followed by mostly fair weather through mid-February, leading to generally thick surface crusts, as well as further deterioration of the snow cover below treeline. 

After some light snow accumulations midweek along the west slopes midweek, 6-10 inches of new snow accumulated Thursday night and Friday above 4000 ft from Snoqualmie Pass and south, including Crystal Mt and Mt. Rainier. Much less new snow was received from Stevens Pass to Mt Baker, where only an inch or so fell.  

Professional NWAC observer Jeremy Allyn was at Paradise last Friday and found 25 cm (10 in.)  of new snow bonding well to previous snowfall received midweek and layering with a favorable density profile. By mid-day Friday, east winds were beginning significant snow transport near treeline and fresh wind slabs were developing on westerly aspects, as this video clip attests. 

Gusty and strong E-NE winds were visibly seen transporting surface snow on the Mt Rainier camera Saturday, mostly at higher elevations, though the east sides of trees were void of snow near treeline confirming the winds earlier affects.  

Early March sunshine contributing to warm daytime temperatures Sunday has likely settled recent wind slabs. 

The mid and lower snowpack west of the crest snow consists of layers of stable consolidated rounded grains or melt forms and crusts from multiple warm periods this winter.