Avalanche Forecast

Diminishing wind and snow early Friday should give way to a few snow showers through the day. Freezing levels should remain relatively low Friday. Only light new snow accumulations are expected during the day Friday between weather systems.

This weather should allow for recent significant storm and wind slabs to begin slowly settling. However, don't let your early season enthusiasm catch you off guard. There have already been active avalanches toward the beginning of the current storm cycle and by Friday, storm layers may be significant and need ample time to settle.

The greatest danger should be in areas where the most significant storm snow has fallen, mainly volcanic peaks, particularly the Mt Baker area and Mt Rainier area. Watch for recent wind transported slab formations on lee terrain, ranging mainly from NW-ENE near ridges.

Caution at lower elevations with shallower snowcover for traps such as creeks, rocks and early season terrain hazards. 

Happy Thanksgiving Snow! From bare cupboards to a filled banquet table in about two days time. Most of the new snow has fallen in the past 24 hours with the volcanic sites receiving 1-2 feet of new snow and significantly less along the east slopes and Stevens Pass.

Two day total snowfall has been between 1-3.5 feet, with the Mt Baker area receiving the greatest amounts. Hurricane Ridge in the Olympics has basically gone from very little snow to 30 inches over the past two days as well.

Below treeline, the current storm cycle is beginning to cover terrain anchors and fill in creeks, through in many areas there will be a significant amount needed to transform the landscape to full winter conditions.

Near and above treeline however, snow depths are climbing quickly, now ranging from 2-5 feet or more in many areas along the west slopes, Olympics and NE Cascades.

The early season snowpack is well settled and prior to the current storm, a significant surface crust existed in most areas.

Limited field observations over the past two days indicated new storm slabs were becoming increasingly easy to trigger in the Mt Baker backcountry and also reported at Mt Hood Meadows early Thursday as ski patrol prepared for opening. 

In general, increasing storm or wind slabs overlie a melt-freeze crust above the settled early season snowpack.

This forecast is based on limited field observations. It will be imperative to assess local snowpack conditions as you travel this weekend and give safe margins when in doubt.