Avalanche Forecast
Jan 7th, 2019–Jan 8th, 2019
Alpine
2:
Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2:
Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2:
Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
2:
Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2:
Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2:
Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Regions: Cascades - West.
The Bottom Line: You can trigger an avalanche in wind drifted snow. Thicker slabs and cornices exist at higher elevations. Variable and strong winds may load snow further down slopes than you may expect.
Snowpack and Avalanche Discussion
Several human-triggered avalanches were reported Sunday and Monday in the adjacent Mt. Baker area. These avalanches occurred on steep wind-loaded slopes. Most avalanches were small, however, one skier-triggered avalanche reportedly ran for over 200ft on a south aspect at 4800ft.
The first week of 2019 brought two potent storms to the region and numerous avalanches. Precipitation favored the western portion of the North Cascades. The first storm brought 6in of water in a two-day period (Jan. 2-4) to areas just north of Hwy 20. Several feet of new snow accumulated above 5500ft, while below, the effects of rain on the snowpack were most significant. The most recent storm (Jan. 5-7) brought 1-2ft of low-density snow above 4000ft and very strong southerly winds.
As we experience a brief break in precipitation on Tuesday, keep in mind:
• Variable winds will continue to redistribute new snow forming fresh drifts, cornices, and wind slabs.
• Avalanche concerns exist within new snow. Mid and lower snowpack layers are strong.
• Snow height increases dramatically as you gain elevation: low coverage below 3000ft and 70-90in on the ground 4000ft and above.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
You are most likely to trigger an avalanche within recently wind-deposited snow near and above treeline on slopes 35 degrees and steeper. The recent storm snow is light and easy for the wind to transport onto lee slopes and terrain features. Use visual clues like cornices, blowing snow, wind textured snow surfaces, and pillows of loaded snow to confirm the presence of fresh wind slabs. Higher elevations received significantly more snow and stronger winds during the recent storms. Large cornices formed and are sensitive to triggers. Avoid travel on unsupported, steep, wind-loaded slopes and terrain features. Give cornices plenty of distance if you travel along ridgelines, and avoid being underneath these formations.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 2 - 2