Avalanche Weather Forecasting at the Northwest Avalanche Center, Seattle, Washington, U.S.A.

• Published in: Journal of Glaciology
• Main Authors: Ferguson, S.A., Moore, M.B., Marriott, R.T., Speers-Hayes, P.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge University Press (CUP) 1990
• Subjects: Earth-Surface Processes; Journal of Glaciology
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0022143000005554; https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S0022143000005554

Abstract Since its inception in 1975, the Northwest Avalanche Center (NWAC) has developed and produced micro- and mesoscale weather forecasts to support avalanche forecast and control needs for the Olympic and Cascades Mountains of Washington and Oregon, U.S.A. This paper describes NWAC’s array of data, observational results, and analytical techniques that make “avalanche weather” forecasting possible. In addition, NWAC’s operational program and the general terrain and climate of the area are described. A sample forecast is also included.