Avalanche Forecast
Jan 28th, 2019–Jan 29th, 2019
Alpine
1:
Low
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low
Treeline
1:
Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1:
Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
1:
Low
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low
Treeline
1:
Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1:
Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Regions: Cascades - West.
The Bottom Line: Firm surface crusts exist on all aspects and elevations in this zone limiting the avalanche danger after several days of clear very mild weather and following rain last week. Another sunny and warm day Tuesday will compete with breezy conditions limiting snow melt and Wet-Loose avalanche potential. Watch for deeper melting surface snow on steep sun-facing slopes sheltered from the wind.
Snow and Avalanche Discussion
Easterly winds developed Monday and will continue Tuesday, helping keep snow surfaces firm in areas experiencing wind. Avalanches will be unlikely where a firm crust caps the snowpack. During the warmest hours of the day, you may find changing conditions on steep, rocky, sun-exposed slopes. Watch for wet unconsolidated snow surfaces. You may be able to trigger a small wet avalanche in isolated areas or extreme terrain.
A temperature inversion over several days has helped to limit daytime warming at lower elevations and valleys. Upper elevations have experienced sustained above-freezing temperatures since Friday with highs hitting the mid 40’s Sunday and Monday. Despite the warm temperatures, the snowpack has undergone several melt-freeze cycles over the past few days and there has been relatively little wet snow avalanche activity reported.
An observer visited Green Mountain on Sunday and found very shallow snowpack conditions below treeline with bare ground exposed. Continuous snow cover began near 4000 ft. Wet unconsolidated snow was encountered on steep sun-exposed slopes by midday. Evidence of recent wet avalanches was observed near and above treeline on southerly aspects. Travel conditions were variable with a mix of low snow, breakable and supportable crusts, and wet punchy snow.