End of winter doesn’t mean end of snow dangers

The calendar says it’s spring, but there’s still so much snow in the mountains that a Washington Trails Association spokeswoman says the same precautions that were taken during winter, especially those for avalanches, should be taken now.

“The big message is still preparation. It is like winter hiking out there. Hikers or snowshoers need to do plenty of advanced planning and take extra precautions before hitting the trail,” says Lauren Braden, communications director for Seattle-based advocacy group Washington Trails Association.

Michael Jackson, executive director of Bellingham-based Alpine Safety Awareness Program, echoes those concerns.

“We’ve got a heck of a snow pack. Even though we might not have fresh snow that’s falling, we do have old snow that can avalanche,” he says.

It has been an above average year for snowfall in Washington state, and nine people have been killed or presumed to have been killed by avalanches this season. Compare that to the previous season, when one person was killed in an avalanche in the state.

This season’s toll has been the worst in modern history.

“You can’t let your guard down,” Jackson says.

Here are a couple of things to consider for this time of the year when it comes to avalanche danger and snow safety:

Slopes that face south or southwest will get the force of the sun this time of the year, which could weaken the snow — heavier now because it’s so moisture-laden — and send it tumbling down.

“The real hazard is the snow’s a lot heavier,” Jackson says. “That’s what I want people to think about.”

Look out for the big cornices of snow that have formed. This is the time of the year when they come down, Jackson says, so pay attention to what’s above you.

Other precautions include taking a few extra minutes to check for avalanche danger and to check on trail conditions by calling the ranger station that oversees the area you’re traveling into.

You also can track trail conditions online.

And don’t head out without the 10 essentials, such as a tent to provide shelter and extra food.

“Taking those items can really make a difference if you find yourself in a situation out there,” Braden says. “It can save your life to have an emergency shelter.”

While you’re at it, pack some common sense.

If you walk up on a washedout foot log while hiking or the trail becomes hidden by late spring snow, turn around, she says.

Current hiking conditions in Western Washington are the same as those in January, according to Braden.

“There’s hasn’t been much of a change,” she says. “It’s going to be a late snowmelt year. It’s been challenging for us to plan our guided hikes series this summer because we really don’t know when the backcountry is going to melt out.”

If you’re itching to get out there and do some spring hiking, head to Eastern Washington to enjoy trails in Lake Chelan as well as desert hiking in Wenatchee and Ellensburg, Braden says. Wildflowers already are blooming in the latter two areas and should peak in late April, she adds.