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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Jan 8th, 2020–Jan 9th, 2020

Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Regions

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Use caution on slopes 35 degrees and steeper and where recent wind drifts have formed at upper elevations. Steer around loaded wind pillows on leeward terrain features near and above treeline. In the past week, storms brought significant snowfall and rain adding stress and new layers to the snow on the ground.

Discussion

On Wednesday, patrollers at Mission Ridge triggered a small avalanche in recent storm snow below treeline. Other observations in the zone have been limited. You'll find a major difference between the shallow snowpack in the Wenatchee Mountains and eastern foothills and the deeper parts of the region near to the Cascade Crest. Observers in neighboring forecast areas near Stevens and Washington Passes have reported widespread avalanches, including some that were very large and dangerously surprising. Check out the Stevens Pass forecast if you are heading to areas near the Cascade Crest such as Icicle Creek, the Teanaway and Salmon la Sac drainages. If you are going into the northern portion of the zone, near Holden Village, expect conditions more similar to Washington Pass. Rain fell to between 4,500-5,000ft on Tuesday.

Snowpack Discussion

New Regional Synopsis coming soon. We update the Regional Synopsis every Thursday at 6 pm.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.

Storm Slabs

Storm Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within new snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slabs typically last between a few hours and few days (following snowfall). Storm-slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.