Lawinenlagebericht

Olympics

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Lawinengefahr

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

Kernpunkte

You can trigger a shallow slab avalanche where fresh and recent snow has drifted 6" or deeper onto firm crusts. Periods of direct sunshine might also destabilize steep loose snow on steep slopes. Small avalanches may harmful around exposed rocks, stumps or other travel hazards. 

Lawinenprobleme

  • Wind Slabs

    • Hochgebirge
    • Waldgrenze
    • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
    Wahrscheinlichkeit
    Possible
    Größe
    1–1.5

    5" of snow fell at Hurricane Ridge and we're expecting 1-4" of additional snowfall through Monday morning, with the highest amounts likely below 4000 ft. Light N winds may continue to transport snow onto S aspects, primarily near upper-elevation ridgelines. As you ascend, take note of signs of the low-density snow becoming stiffer, chalky or textured. In some areas, wind slabs may have formed above recently exposed grassy or rocky slopes. It is where these slabs formed on a firm ice crust interface that you need to pay attention. Use small test slopes to test the bond of the new snow to old surfaces and watch for shooting cracks to help you gauge the problem. Steer around slopes where even a small avalanche could cause injury if you were pushed into rocks, trees, or over cliffs.  Below the 2/19 crust, the snowpack is strong and there are no layers of concern.

    Example: Wind-affected snow where you could trigger a small avalanche where the terrain steepens.

    Photo: Matt Primomo

Avalanche Discussion

Winter conditions have returned at Hurricane Ridge with cold temperatures and light fluffy snow. However, the impacts of more than a month of mostly above freezing temperatures lie just below the surface. NWAC and NPS staff traveled around the Hurricane Ridge area Thursday and Friday,  surveying the variable conditions and a changed, springlike landscape following several weeks of little snow and above normal temperatures. While the new snow will make for improved riding conditions, many steeper W and S aspects that were recently exposed to the ground are not yet rideable. Take your time to navigate bare patches, open creek, and recently exposed rocks and tree stumps.

Spring weather changes rapidly. If the sun comes out for a period of time, expect steep slopes with direct sunlight to destabilize lightly wind-drifted snow on aspects with direct sunshine. Shallow loose avalanches could knock you off your feet in steep terrain.

Enjoy the improving conditions this week while traveling safely.  And please, let us know what you see!

2021-22 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.

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