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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Feb 10th, 2019–Feb 11th, 2019

Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Regions

Snoqualmie Pass.

The very cold storm pattern continues Monday. At this point, we have quite a bit of snow on the ground with several weak layers. All we need now is a slab. This is a time to be cautious, and avoid any open slope greater than 35 degrees.

Discussion

Snow and Avalanche Discussion

We did not see any new avalanches on Sunday around Snoqualmie Pass. There was evidence of a few small loose dry and storm slabs from Saturday that likely failed during the heaviest precipitation.

So far, this recent snow is very light and unconsolidated. We expect more of that on Monday. This is a classic incremental loading pattern. We just keep adding more and more weight to the snowpack. When will it break? That’s very tough to say. It could be Monday, only time will tell.

We want to call attention to the odd weather lately. It has been extremely cold for a long time. The snow is falling at very high snow-to-water ratios. This isn’t our normal Northwest pattern. In short: unusual weather often leads to unusual avalanches. Don’t get lulled to sleep an fall into normal travel habits. Keep your head on a swivel and watch the snow around you. If you see anything strange or surprising, that may be the snowpack telling you it’s ready to break.

Snowpack Discussion

New Regional Synopsis Coming Soon

Problems

Storm Slabs

Storm Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within new snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slabs typically last between a few hours and few days (following snowfall). 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.