872 WWUS86 KPQR 022016 SABOR SUMMARY BACKCOUNTRY AVALANCHE FORECAST FOR THE MT HOOD AREA NORTHWEST WEATHER AND AVALANCHE CENTER SEATTLE WASHINGTON 1230 PM PDT TUE DEC 2 2008 NWAC Program administered by: USDA-Forest Service with cooperative funding and support from: Washington State Department of Transportation National Weather Service National Park Service Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission Pacific Northwest Ski Area Association Friends of the Avalanche Center and other private organizations. This forecast applies to back country avalanche terrain below 7000 feet and does not apply to highways or operating ski areas. ORZ011-031800- && EARLY DECEMBER AVALANCHE DANGER UPDATE As the winter season approaches, the Northwest Weather and Avalanche Center is preparing once again to provide daily avalanche forecasts for the Olympics and Cascades. As of today most mountain areas in the Olympics, Washington Cascades and Mt Hood region have only minor accumulations of snow on the ground up to about 7000 feet due to several wet and warm storms in mid November and a recent dominant upper ridge of high pressure. This late start to the winter and associated lack of avalanche danger at moderate and lower elevations has allowed NWAC staff a little extra time to make improvements and repairs to the mountain weather data network, and to continue working and testing the new NWAC web site which will hopefully come on line in early 2009. Most recently, a relatively weak splitting frontal system moved through the region mid-late Monday into early Tuesday. This produced some minor new snow accumulations above about 5000 feet but little change in the overall low avalanche danger. A rebuilding upper ridge offshore and an even weaker disturbance passing southward through the area mid-late Wednesday should produce some clouds, brief cooling and a chance of light showers with little or no additional snow accumulation expected. However, following this disturbance northwesterly flow over the top of moderate to strong ridging offshore should produce a gradual return to relatively dry and increasingly warm weather for the remainder of the week. With longer range models remaining highly variable about anticipated weather trends late Friday through Sunday, NWAC forecasters will continue to monitor conditions daily and issue further updates as necessary. Daily forecast operation is anticipated to begin next week when more significant winter storm activity appears likely. Have a safe and enjoyable start to winter 2009 when it arrives! && 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. Moore/Northwest Weather and Avalanche Center $$