Avalanche Forecast

Deeper avalanches in old snow have become less and less likely. However, the consequences are still high. Obvious clues to danger like shooting cracks and whumphs probably won’t be observed, although a weak snowpack structure still exists in some locations. Recent wind loading at upper elevations, warm temperatures, strong sun, and potential melt-water in the snowpack all raise uncertainty about the likelihood of triggering a persistent slab. An avalanches in these deeper weak layers would be very large and surprising. You can minimize your risk by using lower angle, and well supported slopes, and staying out of extreme terrain. Shallow, shaded, and rocky slopes are also good places to avoid.

Two primary layers of concern in the snowpack are:

A layer of buried surface hoar found 1-3 ft below the snow surface. This is mainly a concern above 6000ft. Be suspicious of this layer the higher you go. Documented avalanches have been on North through Southeast aspects. Snowpack tests continue to reveal sudden results in some areas on this layer.

A layer of weak, sugary facets can be found near the ground in the Wenatchee Mountains, and other areas on the eastern edge of the forecast zone. If an avalanche failed on this layer, it could be more than 4 feet deep. Use caution if you are traveling in areas where the snowpack is thinner, and where any stiff snow overlies weak snow.