As days get longer and weather gets warmer, folks are getting out and taking advantage of the winter recreation at the park. It is important to remember some key take-aways from our previous blog post.
Please make sure to have a contingency plan within your group or within yourself in the event that things don't go according to plan. Items such as a rescue tarp, a sleeping bag, and a stove to melt water can make a huge difference if an accident occurs. Packing a bit extra food and plenty of warm layers keeps you more comfortable on your day out and works well for unexpected delays. Remember: Do not just rely on a communication device to request a rescue. Any form of rescue can take multiple days to arrive, particularly in early season, winter-like conditions. Be self-sufficient within your party and plan accordingly.
An important reminder for those planning to travel in avalanche terrain:
The Northwest Avalanche Center is no longer issuing daily backcountry avalanche forecasts for the remainder of the season after April 13, 2025. Check NWAC's website for information but do not rely on standard forecast products to plan your trip. Instead, use appropriate planning and observations to mitigate exposing yourself and team to avalanche hazards.
Image of snapped trees from a large avalanche that ran recently in the Tatoosh Range.
The acronym ALPTRUTH can be helpful in identifying "red flags" when it comes to avalanches.
A: Avalanche. Have there been recent avalanches in the last 48 hours? Are you seeing active avalanches?
L: Loading. Has there been loading on the slope by snow, wind, or rain in the last 48 hours?
P: Path. Will your planned travel cross an obvious avalanche path? Will your uphill travel cross any potential avalanche paths?
T: Terrain Trap. Is there a terrain trap? These include gullies, trees, cliffs, creek holes, crevasses, or other features. A slide into a terrain trap increases severity.
R: Rating. What does the avalanche forecast say? While daily forecasts will be suspended for the season, NWAC will post daily advisories and avalanche warnings periodically. Use this info to help inform decisions.
U: Unstable Snow. Have you heard/seen any cracking, collapsing, whoomphing? These are clear signs of instability.
TH: Thaw. Has there been recent warming of the snow's surface due to sun, rain, or air temperature? Warming can increase instability and avalanche risk. Look for active roller balls and get a sense of the snow under your equipment to help determine saturation and warming trends. Particularly as days get warmer throughout the spring.
Size of debris from large wet slab that ran recently in Tatoosh Range. Ranger for reference.
Any of these "red flags" observed should be taken as warning signs of increasing hazardous avalanche conditions. Use group decision making and thoughtful discussion to prompt appropriate travel techniques.
It is standard practice for backcountry travelers to always carry an avalanche shovel, probe, and transceiver when traveling in or under avalanche terrain until snow has transitioned to summer conditions.
Other hazards to consider include breakable crusts and difficult ski conditions which can lead to unexpected falls. Creek-holes are also a hazard worth dedicating special attention to. As the creeks melt out, free-moving water is rushing underneath the ever-thinning snowpack. Falling into one of these openings can be deadly. Steer clear of creeks! Lastly, white-out conditions are always a possibility, even on bluebird days. Always come prepared ready to navigate back down with extremely limited visibility. Tacking a track with a GPS device is highly recommended as well as having that map and compass as a backup.
Spring is an incredible time to venture out on the mountain and surrounding peaks. With good weather, good conditions, and good planning, there are some phenomenal adventures to be had!
