Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Cascades - South East.
A winter storm will bring fresh snowfall through Thursday. However, with thin snow coverage in much of the zone, the avalanche hazard will be limited to lee slopes at higher elevations. Approach areas with freshly drifted snow cautiously, steering around steep unsupported slopes. Watch for low snow coverage and ground hazards everywhere else.
Discussion
With a lack of snow so far this season, Snotels stations in the East South zone are only averaging between 6-10 inches of snow depth prior to this storm. The new snow predicted through Thursday will not radically change the landscape in terms of snow cover or depth. Besides the new snow, winds will be strong enough to transport and load lee slopes at upper elevations.Â
It's on steep lee slopes at higher elevations where you'll likely encounter enough snow for an avalanche hazard and where fresh or recently formed wind slabs may be found. Steer around steep unsupported slopes with wind-drifted snow cautiously, feeling for firm or hollow sounding snow as a sign that wind slabs may be present. You can stay safe by traveling on ridges, wind-scoured areas and any slope less than 35 degrees.
Be especially cognizant of the consequences of even a small avalanche with so many shallowly buried ground hazards, like rocks, stumps, and creeks.
Forecast Schedule and No Rating definition
At this time, we do not have enough specific snowpack information to issue an avalanche hazard rating for the East South zone. However, even when No Rating is applied, applicable avalanche conditions and backcountry travel advice will be provided throughout the season. When weather systems produce very dangerous avalanche conditions in adjacent zones, NWAC will issue an avalanche warning for this zone as well.
Snowpack Discussion
Regional Synopsis Coming Thursday, December 12, 2019Â