Olympics

Generally safe avalanche conditions are expected on Sunday, but keep small avalanches in mind near consequential terrain features.  Small loose avalanches sliding above a crust could run further than you'd expect on sunny aspects.  The new snow is much appreciated, but be on guard for low snow hazards at low elevations, in the trees, and in previously scoured terrain. 

About 5" of new snow has accumulated over the last 2 days at Hurricane Ridge - alright!  The new snow fell without much wind, and NPS rangers reported a few sluffs on very steep slopes but no other avalanche concerns in the immediate Hurricane Ridge area.  If you are traveling higher in the terrain, be on the lookout for recently wind-deposited snow; we can't rule out the possibility of triggering a small wind slab avalanche in isolated areas at higher elevations.  Use caution around gullies, chutes or above cliffs where a small avalanche could cause real problems. 

You're more likely to encounter small loose avalanches, either of the wet or dry variety.  Small loose avalanches could run further than you think on slopes where the new snow has layered over a smooth crust.  Sunny aspects that held snow prior to this storm would be likely suspects. These small slides would only be problematic near terrain traps. 

The new snow came in near the freezing mark on Friday and Friday night.  Prior to this storm, NPS rangers observed a variety of weak snow grains on shady aspects, a mix of near surface facets and surface hoar.  This weak snow sits above a 6" thick crust, which acts as a "new ground" on all aspects with snow coverage. Even if the avalanche risk feels minimal over the weekend, track the upper snowpack as we head into a potentially snowy second half of the month. 

We're not sure we can call it "early season coverage" since it's mid-February, but coverage has retreated to the point that there isn't enough snow for avalanche hazard at lower elevations and on many sun-exposed aspects in the Olympics. Remember that if there's enough snow to ride a slope, there's enough snow to support avalanche activity. The other aspect of the thin coverage is that random holes, and open creeks are common. Travel hazards can exceed avalanche risk in much of the terrain. Give yourself extra time to manage the numerous obstacles and snow conditions.   And pray for snow!