Avalanche Warning

Avalanche Warning

Olympics-West slopes Washington cascades and passes-Mt hood area-

850 am pst Thu Mar 11 2010

Avalanche Warning for the Olympics and Washington Cascades near and west of the crest for substantially increasing avalanche danger Thursday and high danger below 7000 feet from 10 pm Thursday night through Noon on Friday...

Increasing amouunts of wind driven and gradually denser snow or rain should be deposited over a variety of weak layers already in place during the next 24 to 36 hours. Along with slowly rising freezing levels and periods of strong ridgetop winds this should create an increasingly dangerous and sensitive snowpack structure through
Friday morning...especially on northwest through northeast facing slopes. Both natural or human triggered wind slab avalanches should become increasingly likely Thursday afternoon through Friday Morning...along with shooting cracks...some remote triggers..and very sensitive cornices. As a result of these very dangerous
Avalanche conditions...back country travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended mid to late Thursday through Friday morning.

Although less snowfall should result in a slightly lower danger along the cascade east slopes...a substantial danger increase is expected here as well..especially above about 5 to 6000 feet. 

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, 503-808-2400 for the mt hood area,or by visiting our web site at www.nwac.us.

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