Welcome to Skagit County

January 1st, 2009

Backcountry Avalanche Forecast For The Olympics And Washington Cascades

SKAGIT COUNTY – At the request of the National Weather Service, the Skagit County Department of Emergency Management is advising recreationists to use extreme caution in backcountry avalanche terrain below 7,000 feet. According to the Northwest Weather and Avalanche Center in Seattle, this morning, avalanche danger is gradually increasing and becoming locally high on southeast through northeast facing slopes above 5,000 feet. Avalanche danger is considerable elsewhere. On Thursday and Thursday evening avalanche danger will increase substantially becoming extreme above 4,000 feet and high below 4,000 feet. Avalanche danger is expected to gradually decrease late Thursday night or early Friday.

This forecast applies to back country avalanche terrain below 7,000 feet and does not apply to highways or operating ski areas.

For further information, contact: Northwest Weather and Avalanche Service

206-526-6677