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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 23rd, 2019–Jan 24th, 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
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
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: Snoqualmie Pass.

The Bottom Line: This recent storms deposited plenty of unstable snow, especially at higher elevations. Let these storm slabs heal, and avoid triggering avalanches, by staying off of open slopes greater than 35 degrees. If the sun comes out, snow conditions can change rapidly. Loose wet avalanches may occur from steep, sunny slopes and travel down to your location.

Snow and Avalanche Discussion

Reports from Snoqualmie Pass indicate a natural avalanche cycle occurred overnight Tuesday into Wednesday. At lower elevations rain created wet loose and slab avalanche conditions. Poor visibility Wednesday limited observations into higher terrain.

The weak snowpack structure seen near Stevens Pass and the East-Central region does not seem to be as prevalent in the Snoqualmie area--that does not mean it is absent. We were able to find buried surface hoar near Cottonwood Lake/Roaring Ridge last week. An observation from Sunday also suggests an old weak snow layer may be present. This layer could exist 1-2 feet below the snow surface. If you experience any collapsing, or see larger avalanches, it’s time to dial it back and avoid avalanche terrain nearby.

While no glide avalanches were reported, its rain events like this that bring glide avalanches to our minds. Glides avalanches can occur days after the precipitation ends and temperatures cool. If you see crevasse like features on the snow, avoid traveling on or below these slopes.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

If you travel above 5000 feet, you will find significant new snow from this storm. While this unstable snow is slowly gaining strength, we don’t believe it has healed. You are most likely to trigger avalanches on open slopes greater than 35 degrees. Be particularly cautious around convex rollovers, and in areas where the wind drifted the recent snow into firmer, thicker slabs. Give these slopes a wide berth. In some locations, this new snow sits on a firm crust formed last week. Where this crust exists, avalanches may run faster and farther than normal.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 2 - 2

Loose Wet

How much sun will Snoqualmie Pass get Thursday? It’s hard to say. However, if you see sun breaks, watchout. Sunny slopes may warm and produce natural wet avalanches. Do not linger below steep, southerly slopes during periods of sunshine. Take time to consider your travel route. Will you be crossing on or under these slopes later in the day? Are there alternative routes, if the sun comes out? Are there any high consequence features, such as gullies or cliffs, that might make loose avalanches more dangerous?

Aspects: South East, South, South West.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2