The Northwest Avalanche Center put out an avalanche advisory on Wednesday evening warning backcountry travelers to tread with caution in the mountains. A Christmas storm dropped well over a foot of snow overnight and heavy snowfall continued into Thursday.
The avalanche danger for Thursday, Dec. 26 is rated as “high” from low to high elevations in the West Slopes North forecast area that includes Mt. Baker Ski Area and the Baker backcountry. The advisory says that human-triggered avalanches are very likely and natural avalanches are likely, with strong winds redistributing much of the snow that came down Wednesday night and Thursday morning. Warming temperatures can also contribute to avalanches.
“It’s going to be wild weather out there,” according to NWAC’s warning. “Stick to low angle terrain if you get out, far away from steep overhead slopes. All steep slopes and the lower angle terrain beneath them are suspect.”
Avalanche depths could be 3 feet or deeper and avalanches at higher elevations could run down to seemingly-safe lower elevation areas by way of tight gullies or open paths.
Mt. Baker Ski Area posted the avalanche advisory, warning inbounds skiers and riders that if they choose to venture outside the hill’s boundaries, ski patrol will not respond in the event of an accident or avalanche.
Snow immersion suffocation hazard is also a concern after significant snowfall. The ski area advises visitors to reduce or eliminate the hazard by avoiding tree wells and deep snow or simply staying on groomed runs.
By Thursday afternoon the heavy precipitation is expected to decrease, and NWAC’s advisory is set to expire Thursday evening.
Julia Tellman writes about civic issues and anything else that happens to cross her desk; contact her at juliatellman@cascadiadaily.com.
