Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 20th, 2018 10:17AM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
NWAC,
Northwest Avalanche Center
Use caution when approaching avalanche terrain following this most recent storm. We have limited information from above treeline. Fresh and shallow wind slabs have likely formed on lee aspects near and above treeline, potentially extending below treeline due to strong transport winds. Use caution on steep wind loaded slopes.
Summary
Discussion
Weak snow formed and buried earlier in the month can still be found in the upper snowpack. Earlier this week, Mt. Hood Meadows pro-patrol found buried surface hoar most intact in sheltered locations from 5500 to 6500 ft. We will continue to track this layer following Thursday’s storm.
Snowpack Discussion
Regional Synopsis: December 19, 2018
Why has the avalanche danger been so high for so long? Two reasons: A very active and wet weather pattern combined with a widespread persistent weak layer.
For perspective, the approximate snow totals from 12/9-12/19 are:
-
Mt Baker: 102”
-
Washington Pass: 55”
-
Stevens Pass: 76” mid-mountain
-
Snoqualmie Pass: 68” mid-mountain
-
Crystal Mountain 70” Green Valley
-
Paradise: 78”
-
Mt Hood Meadows: 44” mid-mountain
-
Olympics: 48”
In many areas, a layer of buried surface hoar and/or weak sugary facets was buried on December 9th. This layer has been the cause of numerous natural, explosive, and skier triggered avalanches. As this layer gets deeper it gets harder to assess. In short, the scenario is tricky and getting more dangerous by the day.
Higher snowfall totals along the Hwy 542 corridor/Mt Baker area have driven several avalanche cycles during this period. Loading from recent storms has been more incremental to the east and south of the Mt. Baker area, so we have not yet experienced a widespread cycle in other areas.
When will we reach the breaking point? It’s hard to say. What we do know is we have a deep weak layer, reports of very large explosives triggered slides at Mission Ridge and Crystal Mountain, and more storms on the way.
Be patient and continue to stick to lower angle slopes with nothing above you. This is a good time to avoid areas where avalanches can start, run, and stop.
We’d like to thank all of you who have sent NWAC your observations. If you are out in the mountains, let us know what you see.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Strong westerly winds Thursday night and Friday will transport new snow, creating shallow fresh wind slabs in all elevation bands. Watch for evidence of recent wind transported snow, such as firm surface snow, deep drifts, and wind scoured areas. Human triggered wind slab avalanches are possible on unsupported wind loaded slopes and terrain features 35 degrees and steeper.
Release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind 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.
Wind Slabs form in specific areas, and are confined to lee and cross-loaded terrain features. They can be avoided by sticking to sheltered or wind-scoured areas..
Wind Slab avalanche. Winds blew from left to right. The area above the ridge has been scoured, and the snow drifted into a wind slab on the slope below.
Wind slabs can take up to a week to stabilize. They are confined to lee and cross-loaded terrain features and can be avoided by sticking to sheltered or wind scoured areas.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 21st, 2018 10:17AM
