131 WWUS86 KPQR 081611 SABOR ORZ011-091700- ********************************************************** FOREST SERVICE NORTHWEST WEATHER AND AVALANCHE CENTER ISSUED THROUGH NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PORTLAND, OR ********************************************************** SUMMARY BACKCOUNTRY AVALANCHE FORECAST FOR THE MT HOOD AREA AND SOUTHERN WASHINGTON CASCADES These forecasts apply to back country avalanche terrain below 7000 feet. They do not apply to highways or operating ski areas. ********************************************************** 0815 AM PST Sunday, February 08, 2004 ********************************************************** ZONE AVALANCHE FORECASTS..... MT HOOD AREA...SOUTHERN WASHINGTON CASCADES NEAR AND WEST OF THE CASCADE CREST... Considerable avalanche danger above 5 to 6000 feet and moderate below slowly decreasing Sunday becoming considerable above 6000 feet and moderate below. Further slowly decreasing danger likely Monday becoming moderate below 7000 feet with greatest danger on southwest through southeast facing slopes receiving sunshine. EAST SLOPES SOUTHERN WASHINGTON CASCADES... Moderate avalanche danger below 7000 feet slowly decreasing Sunday and Monday and becoming moderate above 4 to 5000 feet and low below. Greatest danger should be on southwest through southeast facing slopes receiving sunshine. SNOWPACK SYNOPSIS.... Small to moderate amounts of increasing density wind slab were deposited Friday through early Saturday over variable amounts of relatively low density snowfall that fell last weekend through mid-weekall over a rain crust or wet heavy snow layer formed late last week. While this resulted in a generally increased and considerable danger above 4 to 5000 feet, generally decreased showers and winds mid-late Saturday have helped to slowly lower the danger to considerable above 5 to 6000 feet near Mt Hood and the southern Washington Cascades near and west of the crest. Note that while slightly smaller new snow accumulations along the Cascade east slopes have resulted in a slightly lower danger, a similar weak snow structure exists in the upper part of the snow pack with shallow new winds slabs possible on lee slopes SUNDAY... Weakened storm remnants moving by mostly north of Mt Hood should allow for intermittent mid and high clouds and some light showers or flurries Sunday morning, mainly to the north. Otherwise partly sunny skies are likely in higher terrain with areas of low clouds or fog likely at lower elevations of the Cascades near and west of the crest. While this should allow for further gradually decreasing danger at lower elevations, light to moderate northerly winds near higher ridgetops should help maintain existing danger on lee slopes. Also some sun breaks may produce locally increased danger on sun exposed terrain. MONDAY... In lower terrain near and west of the Cascade crest, areas of low clouds and fog should continue with partial afternoon clearing. However in high terrain, considerable sunshine or filtered sunshine is expected through intermittent increases in mid and high clouds later Monday morning and early afternoon, along with gradually rising freezing levels and light to moderate ridge top winds. Although this should allow for a further slow decrease in the danger as wind slabs continue to slowly settle. However, some shallow new slabs may develop on south and southeast exposures near higher ridges and increasing sunshine and warming should once again produce a local increase in the danger on steeper sun exposed terrain. ********************************************************** Backcountry travelers should be aware that elevation and geographic distinctions are approximate and 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 Mountain Weather Forecasts and mountain weather data are also available by visiting our Web site at www.nwac.noaa.gov. Moore/Forest Service Northwest Weather and Avalanche Center