100 PM PST FRI DEC 7 2007 && ZONE AVALANCHE FORECASTS * OLYMPICS, WASHINGTON CASCADES, MT HOOD AREA- Moderate avalanche danger above about 5000 feet and low below Friday and Saturday. OUTLOOK TO SUNDAY Moderate avalanche danger above about 5000 feet and low below Sunday. SNOWPACK ANALYSIS A period of consolidating, refreezing and stabilizing snow has generally been seen the past couple days, following the major storm and avalanche cycle early this week. Most areas report thick, hard stable surface crust that can be walked on Friday morning. This should be causing a low avalanche danger in most areas. The snowpack at most measuring sites near and west of the Cascade crest consolidated 1-2 feet following the storm early this week, which was about 25-33 percent of the initial snowpack. Some wet snow is still reported below the thick surface crust. Some light amounts of new snow the past couple days at higher elevations may have helped form some isolated new surface layers on lee slopes. This seems most likely in the vicinity of Mt Baker and Mt Hood where there was a few inches of snowfall the past couple days. Remember to evaluate snow stability on such slopes if more than a few inches are present. At lower elevations the shallow snowpack should still be anchored by terrain and vegetation. FRIDAY AND FRIDAY NIGHT Decreasing clouds, light winds and cool temperatures are expected on Friday and Friday night. Some light snow showers might be seen at Mt Hood through Friday. This should cause little change in stable snow conditions. Caution should be used on lee slopes at higher elevations where more than a few inches of snow are present mainly near Mt Baker and Mt Hood. Back country travelers should also avoid a fall on slopes with a hard smooth surface. SATURDAY AND SATURDAY NIGHT Mostly sunny weather, light winds and continued cool temperatures are expected on Saturday. This should cause to little change in stable snow conditions. Hard stable surface crusts should be found in most areas. Isolated new snow layers may persist on lee slopes at higher elevations mainly near Mt Baker and Mt Hood. OUTLOOK TO SUNDAY Partly cloudy, cool weather with a slight chance of some light snow showers is currently expected on Sunday. This should continue to cause little change in stable snow conditions. &&