Very dangerous avalanche conditions exist at higher elevations where heavy snowfall and extreme winds are building reactive storm slabs. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended.
+30 cm of snow and extreme ridgetop winds are rapidly building fresh storm slabs at higher elevations. Minimize exposure to overhead hazards at all elevations. Slab size and sensitivity will increase as snow continues to accumulate.
On Sunday, a few natural, size 2, wind slab avalanches were reported on south-facing slopes at treeline and above. A widespread loose dry avalanche cycle was observed in steep unsupported terrain.
See this MIN post from Saturday for a report of a remotely triggered avalanche around the Coq Summit.
If you head into the backcountry by any method of travel, please consider submitting observations and/or photos on the Mountain Information Network.
By Tuesday morning +30 cm of storm snow blankets the Cascades. This overlies 20-50 cm of recent snow over a crust and a well-settled snowpack in the alpine and upper treeline. Extreme southwest winds have redistributed loose snow to lee features and formed touchy slabs.
Treeline snowpack depths range from 90 to 180 cm. The last few storms have brought winter to the Cascades, and lower-elevation areas may reach the threshold for avalanches.
Monday Night
Cloudy with flurries, 30 to 40 cm of snow. Southwest ridgetop winds 40 to 80 km/h. Treeline temperature -7 °C.
Tuesday
Cloudy with flurries, 20 to 35 cm of snow. Southwest ridgetop winds 40 to 80 km/h. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
Wednesday
Cloudy with scattered flurries, up to 5 cm of snow. Northwest ridgetop winds 10 to 30 km/h. Treeline temperature -10 °C.
Thursday
Partly cloudy with isolated flurries, 3 to 6 cm of snow. Southwest ridgetop winds 20 to 40 km/h. Treeline temperatures drop through the day to -16 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
