Avalanche Forecast

Another round of light to moderate snow showers Friday night should be followed by increasing shower activity Saturday afternoon and evening. Look for a relative break in precipitation Saturday morning. Snow levels should remain steady as the Olympics have already have moderated relative to the chilly air mass that was over the area midweek.  

Once again, dangerous avalanche conditions may develop on Saturday as we look to tip the scales with additional light loading. Relatively warmer temperatures may help new snowfall settle and perhaps develop more of a slab structure with slabs potentially failing on weak persistent grain types formed prior to this storm cycle. There is a large amount of uncertainty so it's imperative you assess snowpack stability throughout the day throughout the terrain and quickly dial back your plans if you experience signs of increasing instability. Look for new wind slab near and above treeline in all zones. All aspects will be listed due to the ongoing reversal from easterly to westerly flow.

The upper portion of the below treeline and the near-treeline band should be the trickiest to navigate where persistent weak layers may have survived windy periods and become buried intact by recent light snowfall.

In steep sheltered terrain continue to watch for small loose dry avalanches near terrain traps like cliff bands where even small avalanches can have big consequences. 

With deep unconsolidated snow in many wind protected areas, there is an increased risk for tree well and snow immersion suffocation at this time. Ride or ski with a partner and keep them in sight at all times!

Even though the lower part of the below treeline band is filling in, watch for early season travel hazards such as barely covered rocks and open creeks.

Weather and Snowpack

An active and cool weather pattern has resulted in a snowy December thus far with the Hurricane Ridge NWAC station recording about 3 feet of snow, including 7 inches of new snow through Friday morning at Hurricane Ridge. 

Cold and fair weather was in place midweek likely allowing near surface faceting and/or surface hoar to become widespread. Beginning Wednesday night and continuing through Thursday, considerable wind transport from easterly winds occurred near and above treeline. 

Beginning Thursday night and continuing on Friday, a switch to south-southwesterly winds occurred along with a moderate warming trend and light snowfall. 

Prior to this new snow, the snowpack in non-wind affected terrain was generally right side up with low density snow at the surface and no problematic layers in the lower snowpack. 

Recent Observations

Moderate easterly winds midweek likely built new wind slabs on lee aspects near and below treeline in the Hurricane Ridge area with plenty of low density of snow available for transport. A switch to light S-SW winds late this week may have begun to redistribute snow to more traditional aspects.