Lawinenlagebericht

Olympics

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Lawinengefahr

Sat
Hochgebirge
2 · Mässig
Waldgrenze
2 · Mässig
Unterhalb
1 · Gering
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Kernpunkte

Storm slabs may become more reactive during periods of milder temperatures, but in general, expect stabilization trend. The risk of human triggered avalanches lingers on slopes steeper than 35 degrees and where the slope drops off in front of you. More uncertainty exists at higher elevations and in areas that received more than 18" in the recent storm.

Lawinenprobleme

  • Storm Slabs

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

    You'll find storm slabs with up to around 15" of gradually settling snow above the solstice crust. Given minimal storm reactivity and minimal additions of new snow or wind loading over the next 24 hours, we expect continued stabilization. You can still trigger a slab on slopes approaching 40 degrees or on a slope that rolls over in the terrain. Pay attention for warming snow to induce a more slab-like character during the mid-day hours. Use frequent skin track tests, test slopes, and your favorite shovel tests to evaluate similar aspects before engaging with steep, open slopes.

    Keep in mind that in the southern and eastern Olympics, we're expecting additional snowfall that will at least maintain existing hazard. These areas received more snow with the most recent storm and likely have higher danger than in this forecast. Proceed with caution and thoroughly evaluate slab stability in areas with more than 18" atop the solstice crust.

    (12/26/2024)

    Small storm slab, stubborn to ski tests.

    Photo: ONP Rangers

Avalanche Discussion

ONP rangers reported good riding and better-than-expected stability on Thursday despite 17" of snow since last Sunday (most of it since Christmas Day). Winds had significantly redistributed snowfall from Wednesday and Wednesday night, blowing it well down slope, filling in the trees in many cases. This limited wind slab formation. Shifting wind directions near the ridgelines created sharp gargoyles (pictured below). Rangers reported being able to get a bit of storm slab reactivity on the skin track and warming snow creating slightly more reactivity below 4700 ft in the early afternoon. N and E aspects had best powder snow with highly variable snow depths (up to 15") above the stout solstice crust. 

Rideable snow now extends down to around 4400 ft. At these lower elevations, the shallow coverage limits the slab hazard, but consider the impact of even a small avalanche around terrain traps such as creeks, and gullies. Open creeks, downed logs, brush, and thin coverage make for slow going and many hazards are now barely submerged.

Abgedeckte Regionen