Avalanche Forecast

On Sunday, a few natural, size 2, wind slab avalanches were reported on south-facing slopes at treeline and above. A widespread loose dry avalanche cycle was observed in steep unsupported terrain.

See this MIN post from Saturday for a report of a remotely triggered avalanche around the Coq Summit.

If you head into the backcountry by any method of travel, please consider submitting observations and/or photos on the Mountain Information Network.

By Tuesday morning +30 cm of storm snow blankets the Cascades. This overlies 20-50 cm of recent snow over a crust and a well-settled snowpack in the alpine and upper treeline. Extreme southwest winds have redistributed loose snow to lee features and formed touchy slabs.

Treeline snowpack depths range from 90 to 180 cm. The last few storms have brought winter to the Cascades, and lower-elevation areas may reach the threshold for avalanches.

Monday Night

Cloudy with flurries, 30 to 40 cm of snow. Southwest ridgetop winds 40 to 80 km/h. Treeline temperature -7 °C.

Tuesday

Cloudy with flurries, 20 to 35 cm of snow. Southwest ridgetop winds 40 to 80 km/h. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

Wednesday

Cloudy with scattered flurries, up to 5 cm of snow. Northwest ridgetop winds 10 to 30 km/h. Treeline temperature -10 °C.

Thursday

Partly cloudy with isolated flurries, 3 to 6 cm of snow. Southwest ridgetop winds 20 to 40 km/h. Treeline temperatures drop through the day to -16 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Watch for avalanche hazard to increase throughout the day.
• Avoid all avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.
• The best and safest riding will be on slopes that have soft snow without any slab properties.
• Avoid exposure to overhead avalanche terrain, large avalanches may reach the end of run out zones.