Avalanche forecast

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Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Watch for isolated wind slabs in exposed, upper elevation terrain. Use caution around these features on steep slopes. Expect variable, and often wind affected travel conditions. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    A period of moderate to strong northwesterly winds blew on Tuesday night. These created shallow and isolated wind slabs in exposed terrain features at upper elevations. Slabs are becoming more stubborn and less reactive with time, although you could still trigger one in very steep and unsupported terrain. Look for textured snow surfaces, and hollow-sounding, firm snow to clue you into wind slab hazards. Approach steep terrain with caution if you find signs of these. 

    Example thin wind slab.

Avalanche Discussion

No new avalanches were reported on Wednesday. On Tuesday, observers reported a recent looking slab in extreme terrain above treeline. On Monday, a skier triggered a small slab in the alpine near Washington Pass. A recent glide avalanche was also observed from a solar aspect near Kangaroo that day. 

In general, the snowpack is strong and well settled, though there may be layers of buried surface hoar or even basal facets in the outlying ranges further east of Washington Pass. An observer found buried weak layers in the Chelan-Sawtooth Mountains near Chelan on the 16th. In places like the eastern Chelan-Sawtooth and eastern Twisp River drainages, the snowpack may be shallow (less than 6ft deep) at upper elevations, and may harbor similar persistent weak layers. Look and listen for signs of instability as you travel such as shooting cracks and whumphs. If you find these signs, steer away from committing, steep slopes. 

From January 11th to 13th a major storm delivered heavy snow and even some rain at lower and mid-elevations. The Harts Pass Snotel picked up about 2.7" of water over the event.  Very large and destructive avalanches ran through entire avalanche paths. The avalanche cycle occurred on the night of the 12th. Observers reported avalanches to D3 in size (big enough to break mature timber and bury cars) including an avalanche that hit a closed portion of Highway 20, below Delancey Ridge. This avalanche ran over 3,000ft and formed debris piles that were 9 feet deep in places. 

During the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, continue to follow the latest guidance from local, state, and federal health officials. Avoid unnecessary risks that could impact first responders and stress medical resources. Wear a mask when appropriate, practice social distancing, and consider recreating closer to home.

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