Avalanche
Industry News
Mt. Baker Ski Area, Washington, announced yesterday a temporary closure for Monday and Tuesday, March 24-25, due to an incoming atmospheric river bringing significant rain and wind to the region, leading to very dangerous avalanche conditions. The closure follows exceptional snowfall throughout the month.
The ski area plans to reopen on Wednesday, March 26, weather permitting. Officials are closely monitoring forecasts and expect a return to snowy conditions by Thursday.
“We’ve had the most Miracle March we could have asked for. Starting this afternoon, however, we are seeing a big turn in weather for the next few days,” states the resort website.
The Northwest Avalanche Center (NWAC) issued a High Avalanche Danger Rating yesterday, and the rating is considerable today. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended during this period.
“Peak avalanche instability will probably occur Sunday night, but wildly unpredictable wet avalanches will still happen on Monday, although the frequency of their occurrence will decrease. Continue to avoid stepping out on steep slopes, and if you travel beneath large, steep terrain, do so with haste as you never know when a highly destructive avalanche may come down. Large avalanche paths may end in gullies, and other unsuspecting lower-angle slopes well below the treeline, so beware of these locations, even below the snowline.”
All ski area facilities will be unmaintained and closed to the public during the closure. The ski area stressed that access to any areas during this time is strictly at one’s own risk, with no ski patrol or emergency services available.
1. AVALANCHES may occur at any time, EXTREME CLIFF AREAS and other mountain hazards exist at all times and hazards are not marked.
2. AVALANCHE DANGER IN THE SKI AREA IS NOT MITIGATED when the Ski Area is closed.
3. NO SKI AREA MEDICAL RESPONSE PERSONNEL OR SKI PATROL SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE.
4. NO BICYCLES or MOTORIZED VEHICLES at any time.
5. Maintenance work may be performed by Ski Area personnel from time to time. KEEP OUT of restricted areas. DO NOT ACCESS any areas marked as restricted for public access.
6. 911 and/or Search and Rescue response is typically a minimum of hours away at best. Emergency response may not be possible.
The atmospheric river event is expected to bring heavy rainfall and strong winds to the Pacific Northwest, potentially impacting the snow and creating dangerous conditions on the mountain.
Guests are advised to check the Mt. Baker Ski Area website for the most up-to-date information on conditions and reopening plans. Weather permitting, the ski area typically operates until mid-April.
• MOUNTAIN ENVIRONMENT HAZARDS EXIST AT ALL TIMES THAT MAY CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
• The ski area exists on National Forest land and should you choose to enter this area, you are entering UNCONTROLLED, UNPATROLLED NATIONAL FOREST AREA ZONE and IT IS AT YOUR OWN RISK.
• TREAT THIS AREA LIKE BACKCOUNTRY AT ALL TIMES, INCLUDING USING SAFE TRAVEL AND ASSESSMENT SKILLS AND HAVING APPROPRIATE RESCUE EQUIPMENT AND PARTNER.
The resort has seen 135″ of fresh snow in March, with a base of 202 ” and a season total of 541″, the second highest in North America.
