Lawinenlagebericht

Olympics

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Lawinengefahr

Sat
Hochgebirge
2 · Mässig
Waldgrenze
2 · Mässig
Unterhalb
1 · Gering
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Veraltet — dieser Lagebericht ist 6 years ago abgelaufen. Du siehst vergangene Verhältnisse, nicht den aktuellen Bericht.

Kernpunkte

Shallow avalanches will be easy to trigger on wind-loaded terrain features where slabs rest on weak snow above a crust.  Be suspicious around smooth pillow-like features or in areas below sharp cornices. The icy crust will magnify the consequences of the small avalanches you trigger on Friday.

Lawinenprobleme

  • Wind Slabs

    • Hochgebirge
    • Waldgrenze
    • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
    Wahrscheinlichkeit
    Possible
    Größe
    1

    Shallow wind slabs will maintain reactivity on Friday. Expect touchy slabs you can easily trigger on wind-loaded terrain features with drifts more prevalent on northerly aspects. Slabs may fail within the wind slab or just above the 1/13 crust.  On slopes steeper than 35 degrees, navigate around smooth, lens-shaped pillows and slopes beneath recent, sharp cornices where you can trigger an avalanche.  In less wind-affected areas, you can still trigger dry loose avalanches on slopes steeper than 40 degrees.  Any avalanche will be consequential if (1) it knocks you off your feet in a "slide for life" scenario; or (2) if it pushes you into higher consequence terrain below such as rocks, trees, cliffs, or gullies. Keep in mind that we have less information above treeline, but drifts are likely to become progressively larger, more reactive, and higher consequence as you ascend above treeline with a slicker and more dangerous bed surface noted by professionals ascending into the upper near treeline band.

Avalanche Discussion

On  Thursday, Professionals triggered touchy, shallow wind slabs and loose dry avalanches on steep slopes.

They found recent low-density snow averaging 2-4". Light to moderate sustained SSW ridgetop winds Tuesday through Wednesday morning transported the snow into 6-8" wind drifts. These drifts formed reactive slabs 4-6" deep at a density change within the new snow.   The new snow and drifts lie over weak snow (facets) just above the stout 1/13 rain crust. On a NE aspect, observers found a thin temperature crust within the weak snow.

Weather inputs have been minimal in the past 24 hours with cool temperatures and light winds. Thursday night and Friday should be similar, but slightly milder temperatures in the mid-day hours may help to soften the crust.

Despite the recent snow, wind transport of snow from southerly to northerly aspects has exposed icy slopes, and patches of bare ground. Make sure you can safely arrest a fall before crossing icy slopes.

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.

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