Boletín de aludes

Olympics

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Peligro de aludes

Sun
Alta montaña
1 · Débil
Límite del bosque
1 · Débil
Bajo el límite
1 · Débil
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Desactualizado: este boletín caducó 5 years ago. Estás viendo condiciones pasadas, no el boletín vigente.

Lo esencial

A freeze-thaw cycle continues on many aspects at Hurricane Ridge. Falls will be consequential early in the day and anywhere you encounter slick or icy surfaces. As the day warms, you may be able to trigger a small avalanche in slushy wet snow on steep, rocky, sun-exposed slopes.

Problemas de aludes

  • Loose Wet

    • Alta montaña
    • Límite del bosque
    • Bajo el límite del bosque
    Probabilidad
    Possible
    Tamaño
    1–1.5

    A 5-7 day old D1 (small) human-triggered avalanche was reported on Maggie's (E aspect). Observers reported rollerballs, but no wet loose avalanches on Friday. We're expecting the warmest conditions of the week on Saturday with light winds and full sunshine working in concert to thaw an expected overnight refreeze. Small wet loose activity may develop on the steepest, sunniest slopes on Saturday. Avalanche danger will develop once these surfaces soften to produce slushy snow you can sink into up to your shins. If you see pinwheels or rollerballs, the snow feels wet and heavy,  or you encounter fresh loose wet avalanches, change aspects or move to lower angle terrain.  Be mindful of overhead hazards and terrain traps that can increase the consequences of being caught in a small avalanche.  

    Given the extended mild conditions, keep cornices on your mind if you find any that don't look well supported. Give them space when traveling along ridgelines. 

    Glide cracks have opened in many typical avalanche start zones.  We are entering our 5th consecutive day of above freezing temperatures.  Glide avalanches are unlikely to release, but are very consequential if you are in the wrong place. Don't linger below them as water drains to the base of the snowpack during this warm spell.

    (1/9/2022)

    Loose wet avalanches in Sunrise gully on a south-facing slope. 

    Photo: ONP Rangers

Avalanche Discussion

Winter remains slow to return to the Pacific Northwest. Observers found spring-like variable snow conditions and coverage Thursday in the Hurricane Ridge area.  Even though temperatures have been above freezing since Wednesday morning, there were no signs of recent avalanche activity other than a few wet loose sluffs.  Surface crusts are reforming during clear overnights.  Shaded slopes are staying firm while sunny slopes are softening.  Pockets of old wind-drifted snow below ridgelines are discontinuous and unreactive.  The thick late January crust may be under a few inches of old settled snow or scoured at the surface.  Below the 1/30 crust, there are no layers of concern in the snowpack. 

Besides wet snow avalanche concerns, keep in mind the following non-avalanche related travel points:  

  • Ridgelines and wind-exposed slopes, southerly aspects, and lower elevations may have exposed rocks and vegetation. Rocks may also be shallowly submerged. Rockfall has increased as steep slopes melt out, so always maintain awareness of the slopes above you.
  • Where the 1/30 crust is exposed and firm, it may be slick and icy. Falls may be difficult to control, so assess your ability to self-arrest a fall before crossing a steep slope. In other areas, breakable crusts may create challenging riding conditions.
  • Streams and creeks are opening up at lower elevations.

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.

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