Olympics

Pay attention to areas where the wind drifted the snow into slightly thicker slabs on Sunday. Look for drifts behind objects and textured snow surfaces to help identify which slopes may hold wind deposited snow. To reduce your risk, seek out less wind effect or lower angled terrain.

The Olympics could receive 4-6” of snow before this precipitation event ends Sunday night. Much of this snow fell with strong southerly winds which likely transported the snow forming new slabs on the lee sides of ridges and exposed features. On Monday, your primary concerns will lay within the new snow. Pay particular attention to slopes where the wind drifted the snow deeper at mid and upper elevations. In some locations, these potential slabs maybe a foot or more thick. Look and feel for wind-affected snow as you travel. When you see a textured snow surface (see photo below) or feel the snow become firmer underneath you, anticipate wind drifted snow on similar slopes. Steer around steep wind-loaded areas and seek out lower angled or less wind-affected terrain. 

As the skies begin to clear on Monday and the sun comes out, you may see the snow surface become wet and unstable. When you see new rollerballs (see photo below) or find wet sticky snow, think “loose wet avalanches.” On southerly aspects, the snow sits above a firm crust. This may allow some point release slides to run quickly. Even though these avalanches should remain small, they can still harm you if they push you over a cliff or into a gully. 

The upper snowpack depends largely on which direction the slope faces. On shaded northerly slopes, a generally cold, dry, and layered snowpack exists. This includes older wind slabs formed last week. On Friday, a snowboarder triggered one of these linger slabs on a very steep and rocky slope in the Hurricane Ridge area. Fortunately, no one was caught. (See media gallery for more details.) On slopes that receive direct sunshine, a firm thick crust formed during warm and sunny weather March 10-13. Below these upper layers, you will find a strong and winter-like snowpack. The mid-January crust/facet combination can still be identified 5-6’ below the snow surface. While avalanches have not been observed on this layer since the middle of February, keep this buried persistent layer on your radar if you head to more remote areas. 

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.