Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Jan 1st, 2020–Jan 2nd, 2020

Alpine

Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Alpine

Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Treeline

Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Regions

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Expect the avalanche danger to increase as you move up in elevation Thursday into deeper and more wind affected snow. Avoid open slopes greater than 35 degrees when you find more than 8 inches of heavy storm snow or notice thicker wind drifts in the area.

Discussion

Mt Baker ski patrol reported a large natural avalanche cycle Tuesday night in terrain outside the ski area boundary. This likely occurred during periods of high-intensity precipitation and blowing snow. Cooling temperatures, decreasing winds, light precipitation, and cloudy skies should allow for avalanche danger to decrease slightly Thursday. However, limited information about the snowpack, particularly at upper elevations, leads to a high degree of uncertainty. If you travel above the recent rain/snow line, proceed with caution and take the time to make observations to see if conditions differ from what you expect.

Snowpack Discussion

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

Problems

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.