Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Jan 22nd, 2020–Jan 23rd, 2020

Alpine

Natural and human triggered avalanches likely.

Treeline

Natural and human triggered avalanches likely.

Below Treeline

Natural and human triggered avalanches likely.

Alpine

Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Treeline

Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Regions

Stevens Pass.

Very dangerous avalanche conditions will develop as heavy rain falls on dry snow. Avalanches will be widespread and could be very large and destructive. Avoid all avalanche terrain and use extra caution near any areas where avalanches could run down from above.

Discussion

Expect snow to turn to rain before daybreak on Thursday and spread to all but the highest elevation slopes. Not only is this a very dangerous day to be in the mountains due to avalanches, but you'll have a tough time staying dry.

Snowpack Discussion

New Regional Synopsis coming soon. We update the Regional Synopsis every Thursday at 6 pm.

Problems

Wet Slabs

Wet Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) that is generally moist or wet when the flow of liquid water weakens the bond between the slab and the surface below (snow or ground). They often occur during prolonged warming events and/or rain-on-snow events. Wet Slabs can be very unpredictable and destructive.

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.