PSA: Cascades Avy Danger HIGH (also natural slide on I-90)
according to WSDOT, a natural slide ran into Eastbound I-90 this afternoon;
as of 4:30pm, still cleaning up the debris but supposed to reopen shortly.
More importantly a friendly reminder from NWAC:
The avalanche danger is HIGH and an avalanche warning has been
issued for the Cascades from White Pass northward. New snow of
18-28” has fallen in the last 18 hours from Snoqualmie Pass
northward, and is being driven by west winds gusting between 30
and 50 mph. This has caused widespread slab formation along the
Cascade crest, and on both the west and east sides of the crest.
Slab formation is definitely greater at and north of Snoqualmie
Pass where new snow amounts are the greatest.
THURSDAY-
Today snow and blowing snow are expected to continue, with
another 4-8 inches of snow possible, especially from Mt. Baker to
Mt. Rainier. This will maintain a HIGH avalanche danger and an
avalanche warning from White Pass northward. That means a
significant risk from human-triggered and natural avalanche
releases. This is a dangerous backcountry situation, and we
recommend backcountry skiers, snowboarders, and snowmobilers
avoid slopes of 30 degrees and steeper until the storm has ended
and the snowpack has had a chance to bond, settle, and get
stronger. It may be best to head for a ski area for the day.
South of White, the danger is not as great because snowfall has
been much less. Still though, backcountry travelers should use
full caution on their tours.
FRIDAY-
The danger of human-triggered avalanches will be slightly less
than on Thursday, but there still remains a significant threat of
triggered releases on wind-drifted slopes. Full caution is
advised. The warning will likely be dropped Friday morning or
afternoon, but the danger will still be rated CONSIDREABLE or
locally HIGH.
&&
WASHINGTON CASCADES NEAR AND WEST OF THE CREST FROM WHITE PASS
NORTHWARD-
Thursday afternoon and night: HIGH avalanche danger.
Friday morning: HIGH avalanche danger.
Friday afternoon and night: HIGH danger above 5000 feet,
CONSIDERABLE below.
Backcountry travelers should be aware that elevation and
geographic distinctions are approximate and that a transition
zone between dangers exists. Remember there are avalanche safe
areas in the mountains during all levels of avalanche danger.
Contact local authorities in your area of interest for further
information.
NWAC weather data and forecasts are also available by calling
206-526-6677 for Washington, 503-808-2400 for the Mt Hood area,
or by visiting our Web site at www.nwac.us.
