Lawinenlagebericht

Olympics

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Lawinengefahr

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

Kernpunkte

The avalanche hazard will increase throughout the day on Sunday in the Olympic Mountains due to a dynamic storm. As the snow piles up and the winds continue to blow, look for larger and more reactive Wind Slabs to develop, particularly at upper elevations. 

Lawinenprobleme

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Increasing winds throughout the day will transport newly fallen snow into Wind Slabs. These slabs are often formed on leeward slopes near ridgelines, the side of gullies, or the base of cliffs. Apart from these locations, steep slopes over 35 degrees and convex rollovers may be the most likely spots for you to trigger a slab on Sunday. With such strong winds, actively blowing snow should be your first indicator of Wind Slab development and their location. You can also look for freshly building cornices or if you have visibility, textured snow surfaces to help you identify potential areas of danger. Use test slopes, hand pits, and uptrack tests in non-consequential terrain to help you identify how the new snow has bonded to the previous surfaces and if a slab exists. If you notice a poor bond or cracking in the new snow as you travel, avoid slopes over 35 degrees, particularly ones you suspect are wind-loaded.

    (3/12/2021) Wind Slabs will be more likely near ridgelines or rocky terrain such as cliffs and confined gullies. This Wind Slabs was triggered by a snowboarder a few weeks ago in terrain that meets this description. [N 600' SS-ASu-D2+]

Avalanche Discussion

Sunday’s storm is forecasted to pack a bit more of a punch than what we may be used to in the springtime. If the forecast holds, heavy snow and plenty of wind should result in dangerous avalanche conditions by day’s end at upper elevations. The hazard will be greater as you ascend in elevation, but don’t be surprised to see the wind blowing snow around at lower elevations as well. Most surfaces were wet and moist from the sunshine the past few days, which may result in a favorable bond with the new snow. However, some slopes may have “firmed up”, creating a crust to act as a bedsurface for the newly fallen snow. This could result in avalanches running far and fast in steep terrain, either as slabs or as loose avalanches. Be sure to evaluate the bonding of new snow carefully. 

Apart from the potential slabs, cornice development will be aided by the strong winds associated with this storm. Look for current cornices to thicken and fresh cornices to develop on leeward ridgelines. These beasts are always susceptible to human triggers and notoriously break back further than expected, so give cornices a wide berth by not traveling on them and minimizing time spent below them. 

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