If your gonna go play in the snow...

Just be careful. Forecasts predict considerable avalanche danger between 4000 and 7000 feet, due to the fluctuations in recent snow levels, topped with the heavy snowfall. This mixture can cause some fairly unstable layers.

Yeah, anyone who ventures out this time of year into the backcountry needs to be familiar with NWAC. They also need to know how to recognize and evaluate slope stability - not an easy task. Courses are available through a number of regional groups. "Considerable", means that you very well might set off an avalanche if you're on a slope over 30 degrees. Especially one that's wind-loaded from all the recent weather. Places like Hood, Tom Dick and Harry mountain, Rainier, the Three Sisters, etc. all have areas of danger that need to be evaluated carefully and avoided when danger is at its present level or higher. It was "High" most of last week, and may be again once this rain layer between 4-5 thousand firms up tonigh and new snow falls on it this next week. So be careful out there!

Try here

http://www.mountainguides.com/

Also, a PNW climbing association called the mazamas frequently does training courses on Hood. You're going to be fine out there as long as you don't get onto any avy slopes or below them. There are definitely safe areas to play around on, but a course will serve you well in the future no doubt.

David: Since you live in Chelan County, you can take advantage of our excellent local sources of info. Chelan County Mountain Rescue trains it's members in avy awareness and rescue. They don't have a website but you can contact Freeman Keller (freeman.keller@verizon.net) and he might be able to recommend a local program. Also, you can check out the Wenatchee Outdoors website for avalanche reports, places to snowshoe, and anything else related to outdoor activities in our area. http://www.justgetout.net/wenatchee/

Marc