Avalanche Forecast

Moderate

• We are uncertain about alpine conditions due to limited field observations.

A widespread natural cycle of wet avalanches occurred across the Cascades on Thursday, with avalanches up to size 3 on all aspects. Activity is now unlikely as the snowpack has refrozen.

If you head into the backcountry this weekend, please share any observations on the Mountain Information Network.

A dusting of up to 5 cm of new snow may be covering an otherwise hard and thick widespread crust that exists everywhere except the highest alpine terrain. This crust may soften on sunny slopes, improving riding conditions during the day. Beneath the crust, the upper snowpack is thoroughly soaked from recent rain. Older crust layers, now buried 100 to 200 cm deep, are no longer a concern, and the snowpack is generally strong and bonded.

Sunday Night
Clear skies. 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C. Freezing level falling to 700 m.

Monday
Sunny. 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level rising to 1600 m.

Tuesday
Mostly cloudy. 10 to 25 cm of snow. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level rising to 2000 m.

Wednesday
Mostly cloudy. 20 to 40 cm of snow. 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level rising to 1300 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Although avalanches are unlikely when a hard crust exists on the snow surface, the crust may pose a slip and fall hazard.
• Periods of low danger may be a good time to increase your exposure.
• Cornices often break further back than expected; give them a wide berth when traveling on ridgetops.