Welcome, we've noticed that this is your first time visiting The Snowfall Project. We'd like to take a moment to introduce you to what we have to offer and where you might find it.

First and foremost is our database of weather data from the Northwest Weather and Avalanche Center (NWAC), which is a division of the US Forest Service and NOAA. Although we don't collect all the data from NWAC we do collect the major Ski Resorts from the Northern Cascades. These you can view from the Mountains menu on the top bar. We also display the NWAC forecasts from the Forecasts menu.

In addition to the storage of the weather data we've provided a service that allows the graphing of this data over time. Using the Graph link on the top bar will bring you to a page allowing you to customize a graph to fit your needs.

You may return view this introduction again if you wish by viewing the about page from the Help menu. The Options menu allows you to pick which page you are shown when you visit this sites root page. Also you can save a set of graphs that you'd like to view often (most likely ones with one of the numerious special dates)

SUMMARY BACKCOUNTRY AVALANCHE FORECAST FOR THE OLYMPICS AND WASHINGTON CASCADES NORTHWEST WEATHER AND AVALANCHE CENTER SEATTLE WASHINGTON 730 AM PST TUE SEP 02 2008

This forecast applies to back country avalanche terrain below 7000 feet and does not apply to highways or operating ski areas.

WAZ513-518-519-019-042-501-502-031700-

SUMMER AVALANCHE STATEMENT

Please note that the Northwest Weather and Avalanche Center is closed for the summer. However, daily operation is scheduled to begin again in the fall.

Because avalanches continue to occur at higher elevations during the summer months in areas having either residual snow cover or permanent snow and ice cover, and several people within the Northwest have been killed by these events, here are a few notes about summer avalanches.

Avalanches occurring during the summertime can be generally grouped into three types:

First, wet slides within the existing snowpack are similar to wet spring slides, as progressive weakening occurs within the snowpack through melting and water percolation. Although these slides are most likely to occur during the warmest part of the day, they may occur at anytime of the day during periods when the snowpack does not refreeze substantially at night.

The second type of summer avalanche occurrence is associated with new snowfall at high elevations. Summer snowfalls are usually followed by substantial warming of the newly fallen snow as air temperatures rise rapidly with intense summer sunshine. When the new snow overlies an old snow, ice or smooth rock surface this may lead to possible wet loose or wet slab avalanches.

The third type of summer avalanche is an ice or snow and ice avalanche. These are usually triggered by the failure of large ice blocks such as seracs within glacier icefalls. This in turn may involve additional ice and/or snow. Timing of these events are mostly random, usually being associated with both meteorological conditions and glacier motion. However, they are most likely to occur during extended periods of warm weather.

Climbers, hikers and other back-country travelers during the summer are advised to evaluate snow stability and use normal safety practices for travel in avalanche terrain with snow cover.

If you have any comments or suggestions regarding this past season's mountain weather or back-country avalanche forecasting program, please direct them to:

Northwest Weather and Avalanche Center 7600 Sandpoint Way NE Seattle, WA 98115

You may email comments to:

nwac.sew@noaa.gov

Have a safe and enjoyable summer!

Backcountry travelers should be aware that elevation and geographic distinctions are approximate and that a transition zone between dangers exists. Remember there are avalanche safe areas in the mountains during all levels of avalanche danger. Contact local authorities in your area of interest for further information.

NWAC weather data and forecasts are also available by calling 206-526-6677 for Washington, 503-808-2400 for the Mt Hood area, or by visiting our Web site at www.nwac.us. Also note that field snowpack information is often available on the FOAC website at www.avalanchenw.org, and weather and avalanche glossaries for commonly used terms in the forecasts can be found on the NWAC education page.

Moore/Northwest Weather and Avalanche Center

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