Olympics

We have a low likelihood - high consequence situation where triggering a shallow slab avalanche or cornice has the potential to result in a large and deadly avalanche that breaks down to weaker, deeper snow layers.  Play it conservative and avoid traveling on or below large avalanche paths. 

Concern about persistent weak layers several feet down from the surface should be driving your terrain selection until we have more information.  You can still identify the mid-January crust/facet combo roughly 3 feet down in snowpits.  Professionals reported two whumpfing collapses on Sunday, a sign that this layer may still be with us despite a lack of observed avalanche activity last weekend.  Even if you don't observe clear signs of instability, give yourself a healthy buffer and stick to lower angled terrain at mid and lower elevations that are not exposed to large avalanche paths.  A similar snowpack structure exists across the Sound in the Cascade mountains. Over the last several days, large to very large avalanches have been reported almost daily.  An avalanche fatality occurred on Monday east of Snoqualmie Pass.  Remember, persistent slabs can break widely around terrain features.  An avalanche breaking down to the mid-January facet crust combo in the Hurricane Ridge area would be deadly. 

The likelihood that you could trigger an avalanche in the recent snow continues to decrease as we get further and further away from last week's storm cycle.  You might trigger a loose dry avalanche on very steep shaded slopes or find a lingering wind slab below a ridgeline.  If your traveling along ridgelines,  give recently formed cornices a wide berth.  A large cornice failure might be the right sized trigger to wake up deeper instabilities in the snowpack. 

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.