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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Apr 9th, 2015–Apr 10th, 2015

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

Regions

Olympics.

Shallow new wind or storm slab avalanches are possible on the highest peaks in the Olympics by Friday afternoon. 

Detailed Forecast

An approaching Pacific frontal system should increase cloud cover for the Olympics Friday morning and bring a significant uptick in SW winds with light rain and snow developing by mid-day. Significant new snow and rain should hold off until later Friday afternoon for the Olympics, minimizing new storm snow problems during the daylight hours. 

Shallow new wind or storm slab avalanches are possible on the highest peaks in the Olympics by Friday afternoon. 

Snowpack Discussion

A broad upper trough moved over the Northwest last weekend through early this week causing periods of light snow for the Olympics at low snow levels although only very minor new snowfall accumulated near Hurricane Ridge. On Wednesday and Thursday, clear skies transitioned to scattered afternoon showers with light and spotty new accumulations. April freezing levels have been very low compared to most of the winter, averaging about 4-5000 feet thus far.

Unfortunately, we are still a long way off from building a meaningful snowpack in the Olympic mountains as we head further into spring.   

No recent snowpack observations have been received from the Olympics and most areas near and below treeline in the Olympics do not have enough snow to cause an avalanche danger.

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.

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind 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.