Lawinenlagebericht

Olympics

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Lawinengefahr

Sat
Hochgebirge
3 · Erheblich
Waldgrenze
3 · Erheblich
Unterhalb
2 · Mässig
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Veraltet — dieser Lagebericht ist 5 years ago abgelaufen. Du siehst vergangene Verhältnisse, nicht den aktuellen Bericht.

Kernpunkte

New wind slabs will form on lee slopes near and above treeline through Friday.  Strong winds may transport snow further downslope or below ridgelines than usual.  There's the potential for shallow storm slabs or wet loose avalanches below treeline as the rain/snow line bumps back and forth. 

Lawinenprobleme

  • Wind Slabs

    • Hochgebirge
    • Waldgrenze
    • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
    Wahrscheinlichkeit
    Likely
    Größe
    1–2

    S-SW winds will cause more typical wind loading patterns than our last few storms that featured W-NW winds.  However, the duration and strength of the winds may form wind slabs further downslope than usual.  Avoid slopes steeper than 35 degrees where you find stiffer wind-drifted snow.  Wind slabs will be deeper and more dangerous on large open slopes above treeline.  Stick to lower angle slopes, treed terrain or windward aspects.  

    Shallow storm slabs may develop in wind-sheltered areas.  Steer around slopes steeper than 40 degrees and convex rollovers where you find 6" or more of new snow.  

    Ex: You can trigger a wind slab on steep wind-loaded slopes Friday.

  • Loose Wet

    • Hochgebirge
    • Waldgrenze
    • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
    Wahrscheinlichkeit
    Possible
    Größe
    1

    Small wet loose avalanches are possible at elevations where snow that accumulates Thursday night turns to rain Friday.  This may occur in the 3500-4500' elevation band especially during the morning hours.  If you see rollerballs, pinwheels or natural wet loose avalanches, it's time to move to lower angled terrain. 

     

    Ex: Pinwheels and rollerballs are a good indicator that wet loose avalanches are possible. Photo: Enji Cooper

Avalanche Discussion

We can turn our attention to new snow problems after a mild and relatively benign week in the Olympic Mountains.  NPS staff and NWAC observers experienced a brief window of sunshine Thursday morning before blustery winds and new snow moved in mid-day.  This storm will be with us at least through mid-day Friday and pack quite the punch in the wind department. 

Prior to the storm, a new crust has formed on nearly all aspects following a few mild and sunny days midweek. The crust was thicker on sunny aspects that had gone through several melt-freeze cycles.  The upper snowpack is generally right-side up with increasing density the deeper you dig.  The 2/23 crust can still be found 12-16 inches below the surface.  Weak snow (facets) were observed below this crust but avalanches on this layer seem unlikely. The mid-Jan crust layer that's been so prominent across the Puget Sound can still be found in the Hurricane Ridge area albeit at much shallower depths; 3-4 ft below the surface.  Avalanches down to this layer have not been observed in the Hurricane Ridge area in over a month, but it's still worth tracking as we wait to see what March has in store for us.  

The snowpack is quite deep and healthy for this time of year, 130% of normal as of March 1st. 

Make sure to check out the Conditions blog for more info about the very large avalanches that have released throughout the central and southern Cascades over the past week.  There are some impressive photos of just a few of these monster slides included in the media reel below.  

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.

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