Olympics

A storm will bring snow and rain to the Olympics tonight and Thursday.   At elevations where snow turns to rain, stay off steep slopes where you could trigger a small wet loose avalanche.   At higher elevations, travel cautiously on lee slopes with wind-drifted snow.

Incoming storms for the latter half of the workweek will bring at least two rounds of snow, rain and wind to the Olympics.  Prior to this upcoming storm cycle, 6" of snow accumulated Sunday/Monday in the Hurricane Ridge area.  An avalanche course in the Hurricane Ridge area Sunday afternoon observed the new storm snow bonding well to the old surface in the bottom of the near treeline band.  On wind-exposed ridgelines and features, the snow likely drifted into firmer and deeper slabs. 

Prior to the storm, observers reported a very firm but rough snow surface. In the Hurricane Ridge area at least, we didn't have the same concerns about the new snow layering over older weak snow grains like those currently in the Cascades.  If you travel to different areas of the Olympics, be prepared to make your own observations.  Below the old snow surface, a very strong and well-settled snowpack exists. 

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.