Olympics

Small wet loose avalanches are possible in areas that recently received a few inches of new snow and see warming temperatures and/or rain on snow Wednesday.  Use care around terrain traps where even a small avalanche could result in an injury. 

Light rain and snow fell Monday night and Tuesday in the Olympics.  While this may have softened and improved snow surfaces, it was unlikely to have much of an impact on the avalanche hazard.  There will be a warm-up that starts Wednesday and peaks Wednesday night and Thursday morning as a strong frontal system impacts the area.  At elevations that received a few inches of snow recently, you may be able to trigger a small wet loose avalanche or sluff on steep slopes.  While these avalanches will likely be small, take care around cliffs, exposed rocks and trees where a small avalanche could be troublesome.

Observers noted a big change in the snowpack versus late December as the recent warm and wet weather this month has taken a bite out of the snowpack. Below the snow surface, alternating layers of firm crusts, weak wet snow, and strong rounded grains exist. At the moment we aren’t tracking any layers of concern in the upper snowpack.  

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.