Avalanche Forecast
Jan 8th, 2019–Jan 10th, 2019
Alpine
4:
High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
Treeline
3:
Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
3:
Considerable
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable
Alpine
4:
High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
Treeline
3:
Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
3:
Considerable
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable
Regions: Cascades - North West.
The bottom line: Heavy snowfall, strong winds, and high snow levels will create very dangerous avalanche conditions. Natural avalanches are likely at upper elevations. Only travel in the mountains if you are confident in your ability to avoid avalanche terrain.
Snowpack and Avalanche Discussion
Several human-triggered avalanches were reported recently in the Mt. Baker area. On Tuesday, observers witnessed rapidly changing conditions as winds increased and began transporting snow. On steep, wind-drifted slopes near and above treeline, it was easy to trigger small avalanches 8-16in deep. Although most avalanches were small, some ran a few hundred feet downslope.
Avalanche Problems
Storm Slabs
Heavy snowfall will build fresh storm slabs over the next 24 hours. Wind-loaded slopes will develop thicker and more reactive slabs. Greater snow accumulations at upper elevations will create the most dangerous conditions. Avalanches within new snow could easily bury a person. Give the storm snow time to stabilize. Look for obvious signs of unstable snow like shooting cracks, collapses, and recent avalanches. Avoid travel in and below avalanche terrain during periods of heavy precipitation.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Very Likely
Expected Size: 2 - 3
Loose Wet
Snow levels may climb to 5000ft on Wednesday. Plenty of cold dry snow from recent storms exists at the snow surface. Rain may saturate these dry snow layers producing wet avalanches. Avoid avalanche terrain during periods of rain on Wednesday. If wet avalanches run downslope, they could entrain large amounts of snow and even trigger slab avalanches. Look for roller balls and pinwheels as indicators of weakening snow surfaces. Avoid gullies and other confined terrain features where debris could pile up and increase the consequences of even a small avalanche.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 2 - 3