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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 9th, 2019–Jan 10th, 2019
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Cascades - West.

The Bottom Line: A warm and blustery storm is maintaining dangerous avalanche conditions. You can easily trigger an avalanche on wind-loaded slopes near and above treeline. Give the snowpack time to adjust to the new snow, wind, and rain before venturing into steeper terrain.

Snowpack and Avalanche Discussion

On Tuesday, observers witnessed large plumes of blowing snow at ridgetop in the Mountain Loop area. Several avalanches were reported recently in adjacent zones. These avalanches occurred as a result of heavy snow and wind at upper elevations. At mid and lower elevations, rain on dry snow produced wet avalanches.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Snow and wind will continue to build fresh wind slabs on Thursday. Winds may blow snow further down slopes than you may expect. Variable wind directions will continue to redistribute snow in complex ways. Fresh snow may cover older wind slabs making them harder to identify. You are most likely to find wind slabs just below ridgelines, and on the sides of cross-loaded gullies on open slopes. Look for wind-driven snow, fresh cornices, and snow drifts as indications wind slabs may be nearby. Use wind stripped areas, ridgelines, and lower angled slopes to avoid triggering wind slabs as you travel.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 2 - 2

Loose Wet

Expect rain at mid and low elevations overnight and into Thursday. Snow levels will hover near 4500ft. More rain will weaken an already saturated snowpack. 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: 1 - 1