Weekend’s Warm Weather Brings Avalanche Danger
This weekend’s warm sunny weather may bring big avalanches with it, and meteorologists are warning outdoor enthusiasts to be careful.
Warm weather, strong sunshine and light wind are a perfect combination to melt and weaken snowpack in high elevations, according to Mark Moore, meteorologist and Northwest Weather and Avalanche Center director. “This can cause large avalanches that can reach low elevation areas where there is little or no snow cover,” he said. Moore stressed that recreationists venturing into higher elevations be particularly cautious. “Expected slides will not be forgiving,” he said. The warning starts today and extends through Monday for all of the Washington Cascades, the Olympics and North Oregon Cascades.
“Back country travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended, especially during the later morning and afternoon hours,” Moore said. Go to the center website for more information.