Avalanche Forecast

On Wednesday, several small (up to size 1.5) natural and human triggered wind and storm slab avalanches were reported, as well as sluffing with rider traffic in steep terrain.

Recently, there were reports of glide cracks opening up and glide slab avalanches up to size 2. Notably more than usual. This problem may exist only in these isolated features, but we'll see if a pattern emerges.

25 to 40 cm of recent snow covers a thin crust in some areas. Moderate southwest and west winds may have formed wind slabs on lee slopes at treeline and above. A spotty layer of surface hoar (weak, feathery crystals) is found 40 to 50 cm deep. On south-facing slopes, this layer may be a crust.

A crust/facet/surface hoar layer (buried in early December) may be found 90 to 160 cm deep. It was previously most active south of Highway 5, but it no longer seems to be an avalanche problem for this forecast area.

Thursday Night

Increasing cloud with moderate flurries starting. Up to 10 cm of snow. 20-40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Possible temperature inversion above 1500 m. Treeline temperature-3 °C.

Friday

Cloudy with 5 to 15 cm of snow. 20 to 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Temperature inversion breaks down. Treeline temperature -7 °C.

Saturday

Mostly cloudy with 5 to 10 cm of snow west of the Columbia River. 20 to 40 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

Sunday

Cloudy with up to 2 cm of snow. 15 to 30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• The snowpack is generally stable; it may be appropriate to step out into more complex terrain.
• Pay attention to isolated wind affected features in the alpine, as well as cross-loaded features at treeline.
• Avoid areas where the snow feels stiff and/or slabby.
• Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.