Olympics

As we transition out of a major storm cycle into nicer weather, slopes are now primed for human-triggered avalanches. As you ascend in elevation, you’ll encounter deeper snow and more avalanche problems. Continue to avoid large start zones and open slopes where deeply buried weak layers could cause very large avalanches.

The weather will be a bit nicer on Wednesday than it has been in a while, and if you choose to head into the mountains, don’t forget about the recent storm. The snowpack does not like rapid change and with such a dynamic storm, conditions changed drastically. Hazard should generally be on a downtrend due to cooling temperatures and no new precipitation in the forecast for Wednesday. However, more time could be needed for the snowpack to adjust and stabilize to previous inputs before we’d feel comfortable stepping out into bigger terrain. 

Continue to be leery of steep slopes over 35 degrees, leeward slopes near ridgelines, convex rollovers, or rocky areas near cliffs or gullies where triggering an avalanche is more likely. With sunshine in the forecast, the sun’s influence could trigger slides by shedding snow from trees or rocks on steeper slopes. At lower elevations, you may find a sturdy crust with a few inches of snow on it. Watch for snow running fast and far distances on this crust and don’t get swept off your feet in consequential terrain or pushed into a terrain trap. As you ascend in elevation, the amount of snow over this crust may increase or the crust may not exist at all. You will be dealing with new snow problems at these elevations such as Wind Slabs and Storm Slabs. Look for red-flag signs of instability such as shooting cracks or blocks of snow failing in your pits or during uptrack tests. Near ridgelines, cornices may have been freshly built by wind and new snow or destabilized by the rain, ready to act as triggers on the slopes below them. Be sure to give them a wide berth. When in doubt, default to slopes less than 35 degrees regardless of your elevation.

We have been tracking some deeper persistent weak layers throughout the Olympics and the Cascades for almost a month now. Observations this past weekend show that these layers still exist near Hurricane Ridge, but appear to be healing slowly. There have not been any confirmed avalanches on these layers in the last two weeks, but we do not have any direct information about what may have happened during this atmospheric river event. This layer has started to awaken in many zones of the Cascades since Sunday afternoon, resulting in avalanches as large as D4. Approach large open slopes or areas of the Olympics away from Hurricane Ridge with suspicion and these layers in mind. Take some time to dig down and look for their existence and let us know what you find by submitting a public observation. If a slide were to occur on these layers, it would be very large and destructive.

2020-21 Forecast Schedule: Avalanche danger ratings will be issued for the Olympics every Friday through Sunday and during mid-week holidays. During the week when the Hurricane Ridge road is closed, forecast information will be updated daily to include expected conditions and relevant travel advice under the No Rating label.

During the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, continue to follow the latest guidance from local, state, and federal health officials. Avoid unnecessary risks that could impact first responders and stress medical resources.  Wear a mask when appropriate, practice social distancing, and consider recreating closer to home.