900 AM PST SAT DEC 8 2007
 
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ZONE AVALANCHE FORECASTS

* OLYMPICS, WASHINGTON CASCADES, MT HOOD AREA-
Moderate avalanche danger above about 5000 feet and low 
below Saturday and 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 in 
the week. Most areas report a thick, hard stable surface 
crust. 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 in the week, which was about 25-33 
percent of the initial snowpack.


Some new snow following the storm or the past couple days 
at higher elevations may have helped form a new surface 
layer on lee slopes. This is most likely in the vicinity 
of Mt Baker and Mt Hood where there were a few inches of 
snowfall. Remember to make your own stability evaluation 
on such slopes if more than a few inches of new snow are 
present. Some good skiing conditions have also been 
reported near Mt Baker such as on the Turns All Year web 
site.


At lower elevations the shallow snowpack should also 
still be anchored by terrain and vegetation.


SATURDAY AND SATURDAY NIGHT

Mostly sunny weather, light winds and continued cool 
temperatures are expected on Saturday. Clear weather 
should be seen Saturday night. This should cause to 
little change in stable snow conditions. Hard stable 
surface crusts should be found in most areas. A new snow 
layer should persist on lee slopes at higher elevations 
mainly near Mt Baker and Mt Hood. Back country travelers 
should also avoid a fall on steep slopes with a hard 
smooth surface.


SUNDAY AND SUNDAY NIGHT

Increasing clouds should be seen Sunday morning. Some 
light snow showers are possible Sunday afternoon and 
evening mainly in the Olympics and north to central 
Cascades near and west of the crest. Any new snow 
accumulations should be very light and should not cause a 
significant change in stable snow conditions. Hard stable 
surface crust layers should continue to dominate in most 
areas. Remember to avoid a fall on steep slopes with a 
hard smooth surface.


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