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Forecasting Policy
Information
My name
is Jon Barker and I am the designated Avalanche
Forecaster. Here is a basic outline of the avalanche
monitoring program.
A. I will
observe snowpack structure and record snowpit info throughout
the year. I will be evaluating new snowfall hazard as
well as monitoring potential weak layers within the existing
snowpack.
B.
I will observe daily weather info and obtain
forecasts from the Northwest Avalanche Center.
C. The ACC
Board will maintain two warning signs on Ober Strasse Road,
one at each end of the avalanche zone approximately 200 ft
apart. These signs will be visible on the snow bank from the
road.
D. When I
determine the avalanche hazard is high
on Ober Strasse Road and a slide is likely to
occur, the ACC Board will be notified and they will change the signs to
read "High Avalanche Hazard, No Stopping Or Walking" or
alternative wording that
the ACC board has chosen. In addition, a notice will
be posted on the individual lots, numbers 34 through 47, stating the avalanche
hazard is high and listing precautions to take. Travel
is not
recommended
on the road through the avalanche zone when the signs
on the road read "High Avalanche Hazard". If you
choose to travel through the avalanche zone
during these times, I recommend you have another
vehicle watching you or that you are in radio or
cell phone communication until you pass through the avalanche zone. This
would allow someone to call for a rescue should you
get caught in a slide. All "High Avalanche Hazard" signs will be removed
by the ACC Board once Barker Consulting has removed
the "High Avalanche Hazard" warning.
E. There
will also be a fixed sign at the base of Ober Strasse Road reading:
Warning Avalanche Area
Ahead, No Stopping On Roadway, Members and Guests Only. This sign, the two
warning signs and the corresponding "High Avalanche Hazard" signs are
the property and the responsibility of the ACC Board. These
signs wording and placement are also the responsibility of the
ACC Board. Any questions or comments concerning the avalanche
warning signs should be directed to the ACC Board.
F. I will
keep records of snowpits and my snowpack observations as well
as record any pertinent avalanche activity on the slope and
adjacent slopes.
G. There is
a phone line with a recorded message, which lists current
avalanche hazard warnings. This phone number is (509)
780-9499. This message is changed immediately with any change
in the avalanche hazard warning.
H. There is
a website that displays the current avalanche hazard for Ober
Strasse Road. This website is updated anytime there is a
change in the avalanche hazard warning. The website is,
www.oberstrasse.com.
I can be reached at (509) 780-9599.
The other forecasters for Barker Consulting
are Lee Redden and Jeff Taipale, Lee can be
reached at (206) 313-4582 and Jeff at (206) 920-9242. It is
important to note that only natural avalanches will be
forecasted for, therefore, all ACC members, guests, and
renters must be advised not to travel and/or ski on this
slope.
Guidelines for Ober Strasse
Residents
Some avalanche hazard exists
at all times. Avalanche hazard will rise during periods of
heavy snowfall, rapid warming, rain or newly fallen snow. It
is important to heed high avalanche warnings; warnings will be
placed on the Ober Strasse road only during times that a slide is
likely to reach the road surface.
Each avalanche path has
different characteristics, depending on risk factors such as
snowpack structure, slope aspect, elevation, snow depth, wind
loading, current temperature, and the temperature trend. For
this reason, Barker Consulting's avalanche hazard rating for
Ober Strasse may differ from the regional forecasts for the
Cascades issued by the Northwest Avalanche
Center.
You can assist by alerting
other homeowners and guests not to travel on this slope.
Barker Consulting's risk assessment will be based only on the
potential for natural slides. Barker Consulting will not be
forecasting for human-triggered slides.
Your ACC contact person is
Jason Townsley. You can reach Jason at
206-313-1505.
Please assist in the
avalanche awareness program by educating other homeowners,
renters and guests. |