Avalog
Register
Get forecast notifications
Create an account to receive email notifications when forecasts are published.
Register
Login
Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 25th, 2019–Jan 26th, 2019
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
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
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
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Cascades - West.

The Bottom Line: Expect sunshine and unseasonably warm temperatures on Saturday. Anticipate changing snow surface conditions with increasing potential for wet loose avalanches throughout the day. Triggering an avalanche in wind-drifted snow may still be possible in isolated upper elevation terrain.

Snow and Avalanche Discussion

No new avalanches were reported in adjacent zones on Friday. Cloud cover and northwesterly winds kept snow surfaces relatively cool. A breakable crust exists on all aspects to at least 5000ft (higher on southerly aspects). This presented challenging travel conditions the past two days. Evidence from Wednesday’s widespread avalanche cycle is easy to find.

Avalanche Problems

Loose Wet

Intense sun may cause another round of wet avalanches. Freezing levels will skyrocket to 11,000ft by Saturday afternoon. Pay attention as the surface crust breaks down throughout the day. If you see rollerballs, pinwheels, or experience wet surface snow deeper than your ankle, loose wet avalanches may follow. If the surface crust remains frozen, avalanche activity will be limited. Be careful around steep, rocky, sun-exposed slopes, especially in the afternoon hours. Even small wet loose avalanches can be harmful in confined or exposed terrain.

Aspects: South East, South, South West.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Wind Slabs

Winds slabs that formed during the mid-week storm still linger above treeline. Although these slabs have gained strength over the past few days, you may still be able to trigger them in isolated upper elevation areas - on very steep slopes, near convex rollovers, or just below cornices. Encountering the problem will become more likely the higher in elevation you travel. Look for rounded pillows of snow, textured snow surfaces, wind-sculpted features, and hollow sounding snow as signs that wind slabs may exist nearby. Avoid unsupported wind-loaded slopes and terrain features 35 degrees and steeper.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2