Olympics

Yet another storm will create new snow avalanche hazards in the Olympics Tuesday night. Pay particular attention to areas where the wind drifts the snow into deeper deposits. Give the snowpack time to adjust to the new load by steering around steep open slopes.

The Olympics could receive an additional 8-10” of snow overnight with strong winds and high precipitation rates. By the morning, most of the storm should move to areas further east. As a result, you should see the greatest avalanche danger in the morning hours. While you may find new storm snow hazard on any open slope, pay particular attention to wind affected snow. Steer around open slopes below fresh cornices and where you notice the snow drifted deeper. With so much recent snow, any avalanche may grow large and deadly. 

This latest storm comes as part of a week-long cycle which, as of Tuesday afternoon, brought more than 7.2” of precipitation to Hurricane Ridge. The snowpack in that area grew by 3-4’. As storm totals continue to increase so does our uncertainty. Several potential weak layers may exist in the upper snowpack. This includes a layer of buried surface hoar that resulted in at least one avalanche on New Year’s Eve. If avalanches break or step-down into these deeper layers they could result in isolated very large and destructive slides. This is a good time to be patient and dial it back. Seek out simple terrain where you can easily manage the avalanche risk. 

Two notable snowpack markers may help you assess the recent storm snow. A rain event to 5200’ on New Years Day formed a crust that was buried in the upper snowpack. We believe any potential avalanches will occur above this thin crust. Deeper in the snowpack you may find the much thicker 12/21 crust. This is a prominent layer across many zones. Nearly all of the snow above this crust fell as part of this ongoing storm cycle. 

In addition to the potentially hazardous avalanche conditions, non-avalanche hazards exist including tree well and deep snow immersion. Find out more information about deep snow safety HERE.

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.