Winter Storm Warning and Avalanche Warning for the Mountains

Urgent - Winter Weather Message
National Weather Service Seattle Wa
421 pm pst Mon Jan 5 2009

 
West slopes northern Cascades and passes-
West slopes central Cascades and passes-
421 pm pst Mon Jan 5 2009

Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until 6 am pst Tuesday... 

The snow level will fluctuate between 2500 feet and 3500 feet tonight. Snow could change to rain at times in Snoqualmie pass...but precipitation in the higher passes will probably remain snow.

Snowfall amounts so far have been 1 or 2 feet. Another 12 inches of snow is likely by late tonight...bringing the storm total to 2 or 3 feet.

The snow level will climb to 5000 feet or higher Tuesday as a warm front moves across the area. The snow level will remain this high through Thursday. This next system will likely bring heavy rains to the west facing slopes.

Precautionary/preparedness actions...

Those planning travel in the cascades should be prepared for hazardous...winter driving conditions. For the latest road conditions...call 511 or visit the Washington state department of transportation web site at www.wsdot.wa.gov.

 Avalanche warning

Olympics-
West slopes north Cascades and passes-
West slopes central Cascades and passes-
South Washington cascades-
East slopes north Cascades-
East slopes central Cascades of Washington-
East slopes south cascades of Washington-
North Oregon Cascades-

1000 am pst Mon Jan 5 2009

Avalanche warning for high avalanche danger Monday morning becoming high to extreme Tuesday...

Heavy snow at warming temperatures overnight Sunday and early Monday has been deposited on 1 to 3 feet of cold low density snow. This is created unstable snowpack conditions. There have been widespread natural avalanches reported early Monday confirming these conditions.

Continued heavy snow and strong winds should maintain these conditions through late Monday.

Significant warming with snow changing to rain or heavy wet snow Tuesday should lead to a further increase in danger becoming extreme in many areas. Some large and potentially destructive avalanches should be possible Tuesday... With some slides possibly releasing to the ground...especially along the east slopes and northeast
Washington cascades.

Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended Monday and should be avoided Tuesday.

Note that no control work is performed outside ski area boundaries so expect back country conditions beyond ski area boundaries. This statement will be updated as conditions warrant. Please visit Www.nwac.us for details. 

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, or by visiting our web site at http://www.wsdot.wa.gov.

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