Olympics

A relative break in the weather Wednesday allows slabs to slowly mend as the snowpack settles. You might find less wind-affected snow masking older punchy slab layers. Note the direction of recently formed cornices and wind lips, then steer around steep, unsupported terrain on the slopes below.

We expect improving avalanche conditions over the next 24 hours given light snowfall amounts and winds over the next 24 hours. However, conditions will deteriorate rapidly with a strong warm front arriving Wednesday night and the potential for very dangerous avalanche conditions to develop. This is a good time to hold off on overnight backcountry adventures.

The road closed to Hurricane Ridge Sunday morning due to whiteout conditions. Around 0.5" of water equivalent and around 6" of snow fell Monday night through Tuesday, which adds to 1.5-3" of water equivalent and 15-22" of snow was recorded in the Hurricane Ridge area Sunday through Monday afternoon.  S-SW winds were strong  Sunday and Sunday night and became more moderate on Monday, decreasing to light by Tuesday.  A natural avalanche cycle may have occurred Sunday night during the heaviest snowfall rates.  You'll need to reassess your understanding of the snowpack in the Hurricane Ridge area following the recent storm and before engaging with consequential avalanche terrain.  Expect fresh cornices along ridgelines and give them a wide berth. 

Prior to this storm, observers noted a storm interface (preserved stellars) about 6" down that may become a failure point as the snowpack receives a prolonged loading event over the coming week.  Over the last 10 days of December, several cold storms dropped several feet of cold low-density snow and produced superb conditions.   

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.