Avalanche Forecast
Jan 8th, 2019–Jan 10th, 2019
Alpine
3:
Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3:
Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2:
Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3:
Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3:
Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2:
Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Regions: Cascades - West.
The bottom line: Heavy snow and wind will create dangerous avalanche conditions on Wednesday. You can trigger large avalanches on wind loaded slopes near and above treeline. Carefully evaluate the snowpack and approach steeper terrain cautiously.
Snowpack and Avalanche Discussion
On Tuesday, observers witnessed large plumes of blowing snow at ridgetop in the Mountain Loop area. Several human-triggered avalanches were reported recently in adjacent zones. In the nearby Mt. Baker area, observers witnessed rapidly changing conditions on Tuesday afternoon as wind speeds increased and began transporting snow. On steep, wind drifted slopes, it was easy to trigger small avalanches 8-16in deep. Most avalanches were small, although some ran a few hundred feet downslope. Wind slabs will grow in size and distribution with significant snowfall and wind expected over the next 24 hours.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Another round of snowfall and very strong winds will build fresh wind slabs on Wednesday. Winds may blow snow further down slopes than you expect. Variable wind directions will continue to redistribute snow in complex ways. You are most likely to find wind slabs just below ridgelines, and on the sides of cross-loaded gullies on open slopes. Look for wind-driven snow, fresh cornices, and snow drifts to indicate wind slabs may be nearby. Use wind stripped areas, ridgelines, and lower angled slopes to avoid triggering wind slabs as you travel.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 2 - 3