Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Stevens Pass.
The primary avalanche problem Friday will continue to be loose wet avalanches, especially in areas receiving the greatest rain, such as the volcanoes, from Mt Baker to Mt Rainier.
Detailed Forecast
Mild temperatures and moderate to high snow levels will prevail again on Friday with light rain developing mainly over the northwest WA Cascades and spreading to the central areas.  Only very light amounts of precipitation should reach the southern Washington Cascades Friday.Â
Loose wet avalanches are possible Friday on steeper slopes near and above treeline that either receive enough rainfall, or in areas further south, solar aspects that receive substantial sun breaks.  Â
As a result of the overall low snowpack, especially below treeline, watch for terrain hazards such as open creeks, partially covered rocks and vegetation.
Snowpack Discussion
The latest warm and wet southwest flow directed to the Pacific Northwest brought several inches to around a foot of water to the west slopes last week; unfortunately it fell mostly as the clear type. This lead to more melt at lower elevations, making many slopes below treeline nearly snow free, regardless of aspect.  Â
About 5-12 inches of heavy snow accumulated  near and above treeline ending early Tuesday west of the crest based on weather station data and reports.
Signs of loose wet activity that began Tuesday was dampened by the extensive high cloud cover on Wednesday. Despite the continued warmth and high freezing levels, several NWAC observers along the west slopes Wednesday reported no avalanche activity in the below and near treeline zones. The most recent storm snow in the upper snowpack near treeline was reported as wet and well bonded to the previous rain crust.  No additional observations were received Thursday.
The mid and lower snowpack west of the crest should consist of layers of stable consolidated rounded grains or melt forms and crusts from multiple warm periods this winter.
Avalanche Problems
Loose Wet
Release of wet unconsolidated snow or slush. These avalanches typically occur within layers of wet snow near the surface of the snowpack, but they may quickly gouge into lower snowpack layers. Like Loose Dry avalanches, they start at a point and entrain snow as they move downhill, forming a fan-shaped avalanche. They generally move slowly, but can contain enough mass to cause significant damage to trees, cars or buildings. Other names for loose-wet avalanches include point-release avalanches or sluffs. Loose Wet avalanches can trigger slab avalanches that break into deeper snow layers.
Travel when the snow surface is colder and stronger. Plan your trips to avoid crossing on or under very steep slopes in the afternoon. Move to colder, shadier slopes once the snow surface turns slushly. Avoid steep, sunlit slopes above terrain traps, cliffs areas and long sustained steep pitches.
Several loose wet avalanches, and lots of pinwheels and roller balls.
Loose wet avalanches occur where water is running through the snowpack, and release at or below the trigger point. Avoid terrain traps such as cliffs, gullies, or tree wells. Exit avalanche terrain when you see pinwheels, roller balls, a slushy surface, or during rain-on-snow events.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1