Avalanche Forecast

Light to occasionally moderate snowfall is possible for the south Washington Cascades, especially during the morning hours. Snowfall rates may be intense in the Mt. Rainier/Crystal Mt area during the morning with shallow yet unstable storm slabs developing by mid-day. 

As winds increase and back to SE Friday morning and then to ENE Friday afternoon, the potential for new wind slab and cross-loaded slopes will become more likely, especially above tree-line.  

Expect increasing storm related avalanche concerns in the near and above treeline bands on Friday if you travel into avalanche terrain.  

Due to the low snowpack, especially below treeline, watch for terrain hazards such as open creeks, partially covered rocks and vegetation. Many areas below treeline do not have enough snow (new or existing) to pose an avalanche hazard. 

Since the warm and wet start to February, fair weather through mid-February has led to generally thick surface crusts, as well as further deterioration of the snow cover below treeline. 

A few weather disturbances passed through a week ago, bringing a welcome few inches of snow near and above treeline. Winds veered to the east or northeast last Saturday, causing some new wind slab formation on non-traditional more westerly to southerly aspects mainly above treeline. A few reports of ski-triggered shallow wind slabs were reported from the west slopes over the weekend, generally found above treeline.  

Generally 1 to 3 inches of snow accumulated at NWAC sites Wednesday night through Thursday afternoon above about 4000 ft with rising snow levels in the afternoon. No significant avalanche problems were expected or reported.   

The mid and lower snowpack west of the crest snow consists of layers of stable consolidated rounded grains or melt forms and crusts from multiple warm periods this winter.