Olympics

If you find wet, mushy snow around extreme terrain features like cliffs, consider the consequences of a small wet avalanche.  Give open glide cracks space and don't linger on slopes below.  For slopes that do not soften, carry the proper equipment before crossing a steep icy slope. 

Spring-like weather has taken over this week and will extend through Friday.  On Thursday, Hurricane Ridge hit a high temperature of 62F, stunning for early February.  The Ridge's weather station hasn't been below freezing since mid-day on Feb 2nd (see plot below).   Unfortunately, the Olympics' snowpack is well below normal, similar to the Cascades. The Buckinghorse Snotel in the middle of the range shows a bit deeper snowpack than in the northern Olympics.  You can see the high snow-line in the range, and that sunny or wind-scoured aspects have melted out with large sections of dirt, forest, and rock showing.  Despite the unseasonal warmth continuing into Friday, you're unlikely to encounter much avalanche hazard after several days of dry and mild weather beating up the snowpack.   The most recent stormy period wrapped up Monday and featured a mix of rain and snow at mid and high elevations, with minimal new avalanche activity observed last weekend.  Active weather is on the way for the weekend, but this storm system looks like it will begin on the milder side before slowly cooling. 

Low avalanche hazard doesn't mean zero danger.  Enjoy the mountains and keep in mind the following travel advice:   

• Wet loose avalanches are unlikely but may still occur in isolated areas.  Use caution near terrain traps like chutes or cliffs where the snow has become wet and mushy and a small avalanche could take you for a rough, unwanted ride.  
• We don't have any recent information on glide avalanches or if glide cracks have opened up or grown (recent glide crack in the gallery).  During extended warm-ups, these avalanches can release at any time as melt-water percolates down - do not linger below them.  Additional overhead hazard includes blocks of snow that may shed from steep rock faces without warning. 
• Even with the mild temperatures, nightly refreezes of the snowpack have likely formed a surface crust on most snow surfaces.  Shady aspects may not soften.  Bring traction and self-arrest tools if you plan to cross steep firm/icy slopes. 
• Unfortunately, low snow hazards abound.  In areas with low snow cover, take your time and be prepared to safely navigate stream crossings, exposed rocks, and other obstacles not typically encountered mid-winter. 

If you're out - please share your observations with us and your community.