900 AM PST THU FEB 21 2008
 
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ZONE AVALANCHE FORECASTS
* OLYMPICS- WASHINGTON CASCADES- MT HOOD AREA-
Generally LOW avalanche danger below 7000 feet Thursday
and Friday.


SNOWPACK ANALYSIS
Very warm weather and high freezing levels above 10,000
feet last weekend through Monday allowed for significant
surface snow melt and snowpack consolidation. This
warmest weather of the winter thus far produced numerous
wet snow avalanches, both loose and slab over the
weekend. Gradually lowering freezing levels Tuesday
through Wednesday combined with clearing have allowed for
a very strong surface crust to develop on most slopes.

The firm and stable surface snow is maintaining a
generally low avalanche danger in most areas.


As recently as yesterday a report from Snoqualmie Pass
indicated that nice corn snow developed on a the south
face of Denny Mountain with stable and good ski
conditions. These conditions should continue to develop,
especially on slopes receiving abundant sunshine.


DETAILED FORECASTS

THURSDAY AND THURSDAY NIGHT
Low clouds or fog at lower elevations with increasing
high clouds at higher terrain with light to moderate
crest level winds and moderate freezing levels are
expected Thursday. Increasing clouds Thursday night with
a few light rain or snow showers possible. These
conditions should maintain mostly stable snow and a
continued low danger. While avalanches are unlikely, a
fall on a steep smooth crust may result in a hazard of a
different kind. Continue to use normal caution in the
backcountry. Also be cautious of steeper southerly facing
slopes receiving sunshine as shallow wet snow may develop
during the warmest part of the day.


FRIDAY AND FRIDAY NIGHT
Mostly cloudy with a little light rain or snow at times,
mainly in the south and overnight Friday. Only light
amounts of new snow are expected and with cooler
temperatures this should not cause a significant increase
in the danger. Mostly firm upper snow with very shallow
new snow should continue a low danger.


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