Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Cascades - South West.
A fresh round of snow is following a significant natural avalanche cycle. Dangerous avalanche conditions will continue, especially near Paradise where the highest snowfall totals are expected. Travel cautiously sticking to lower angle terrain and evaluate the bond between new and old snow.
Discussion
There’s quite a bit of variability in the West-South zone. Paradise received over 5 inches of water, mostly as snow, in the last 48 hours. While Crystal and White Pass received around 1.5 inches of snow water equivalent. A natural avalanche cycle Monday helped stabilize conditions, but new snow will continue to test the snowpack.
Snowpack Discussion
New Regional Synopsis coming soon. We update the Regional Synopsis every Thursday at 6 pm.
Avalanche Problems
Storm Slabs
Travel cautiously as the snow pack continues to adjust to the new snow load. Steer around convex or unsupported slopes and slopes steeper than 30 degrees where you will be most likely to trigger an avalanche. Avalanche conditions may stay elevated longer in the Paradise area, which has seen greater snowfall amounts and is expected to see more tonight.
Release of a soft cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within the storm snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slab problems typically last between a few hours and few days. 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.
You can reduce your risk from Storm Slabs by waiting a day or two after a storm before venturing into steep terrain. Storm slabs are most dangerous on slopes with terrain traps, such as timber, gullies, over cliffs, or terrain features that make it difficult for a rider to escape off the side.
Storm slabs usually stabilize within a few days, and release at or below the trigger point. They exist throughout the terrain, and can be avoided by waiting for the storm snow to stabilize.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 1