Avalanche Forecast

No new avalanches were reported on Wednesday.

Looking forward to Thursday, we expect that human-triggered avalanches will be likely anywhere that wind has redistributed dry snow into thicker, more reactive slabs, potentially over a hard, slippery crust. North and east-facing features are currently the most likely to be wind-loaded.

Strong southerly alpine winds have likely formed reactive slabs at treeline and above on north and east-facing terrain.

Storm snow totals around 35-50 cm by the end of the day Tuesday, with uncertain freezing levels in White Pass.

Freezing levels were up to 1700 m over the weekend (possibly only 1200 m in White Pass). In the Wheaton area on Tuesday, our field team found a strong surface crust up to 1200 m.

Wednesday Night

Mostly cloudy. 2-5 cm of snow expected. Light to moderate northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -15°C.

Thursday

Mostly cloudy. 1-3 cm of snow expected. Light southeast ridgetop wind, switching to southwest by the afternoon. Treeline low around -20 °C.

Friday

Mostly cloudy, possibly clearing in the afternoon. Trace of snow expected. Light west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -25 °C.

Saturday

Partly cloudy. No new snow expected. Moderate southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -25 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Expect slab conditions to change drastically as you move into wind exposed terrain.
• Back off if you encounter whumpfing, hollow sounds, or shooting cracks.
• When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.