***Avys this Weekend***

NWAC calls for High Avy danger on Saturday and above? High on Sunday.

Don't get caught in the Blue Bird trap on Saturday!!  So be careful and be prepared out there kids and keep your avalanche eyes open. 

NWAC:
SATURDAY AND SATURDAY NIGHT
Fair and warmer weather is expected on Saturday. Folks it
is April and there has been a lot of snow lately. So the
sun is going to begin to go to work on all the recent
snow. Natural and human triggered damp or wet slab or
loose snow avalanches should become likely by Saturday
afternoon especially on steep slopes facing the sun.
Remember that natural avalanches are Mothers Natures most
direct sign of instability. Watch out especially when
damp or wet snow becomes deeper than a few inches on
slopes facing the sun. Overnight cooling may cause
temporary stabilizing Saturday night.

OUTLOOK TO SUNDAY
Sunny and even warmer weather is expected on Sunday. The
trends of Saturday are likely to become even greater on
Sunday. Natural and human triggered avalanches should be
more likely on Sunday. Sunday may be a potentially
dangerous day near avalanche terrain.


cd

- thank you 'Dr. Snow'. the Avy's are an actual part of the mountain, down at Mammoth Mtn., CA.

  - thank you 'Dr. Snow'.   the Avy's are an actual part of the mountain, down at Mammoth Mtn., CA.   

Geez.  We've a shitty snow pack at the moment and I just wanted to give folks a head up.  Last year I almost lost two friends to an avalanche and I just finished making maps that will be in the final report for an avalanche fatality in Oregon.  Our maritime snow slides like it's on butter during a warm spell like we're having and I'd rather post helpful tid-bits for local skiers rather than bash others from afar.

Next time just roll your eyes and troll on to the next post.

cd

It's appreciated Dave -- not sure what skimtner's issue with the post was.  Never hurts to put the NWAC forecasts in more than one place.  

Thanks for the heads up ClimberDave.
As far as the Crystal vicinity I did not see evidence of extensive slides from near or far, lots of settled snow. With that said don't take your avy visors off for a second as you never know what can happen. I find it easy to get lulled on relaxed attitude about the snow pack when things are not taking off, so gotta keep reminding myself of the potentials.
Surprisingly, yesterday the snowpack stayed colder and fresher longer than a usual sunny April day, maybe due to cold winds? But by the end of yesterday the sun's heat had it's way with all aspects, but shaded areas. With the deep cold the AM I suspect some pretty setup crusty snow on the sun exposed and possibly a thin veneer crust on N facing.
Now I am a little conservative, so I would keep close to the vest today (quick exit plan don't pin yourself in a trap) as the effects of the sun may create some rollers from the trees dropping their snow, deeper wet slides on sun exposed areas, cornices dropping and so on...
Take care and be aware.

Went up to Cowlitz Rock (MRNP) today because of avy hazard & warmer than forecast temps.  A very large climax avalanche had occurred Saturday on the steep eastern aspect SE of McClure Rock and below the Skyline bench.  The crown fracture was about 2000 feet long and varied in height from about 10 to almost 30 feet!  I'd guess it was triggered by cornice collapse, but the most interesting thing was how it stepped down twice right to the base of the snowpack, with 2-3' secondary crowns that left bedrock exposed.  The debris field was about half a mile across in two directions, probably several hundred acres up to several tens of feet deep. It ran across the flats to Stevens Creek and a couple hundred feet up the opposite side of the valley!  The even larger & steeper slopes from McClure Rock to Paradise Glacier terminus did not slide, but I think I'll stay away from steeper eastern aspects until the weather cools down.