Olympics

It's early season and snowpack information is limited, so travel with an assessment mindset and be prepared to retreat to lower angle terrain if conditions differ from the forecast. Shallow wind slabs formed with fresh snow and wind Tuesday afternoon and early season conditions make any triggered avalanche hazardous on Wednesday. Watch for fresh cornices near ridgelines and avoid wind-loaded slopes below.

Daily avalanche forecasting has started once again...and with 32" of snow on the ground at Hurricane Ridge snowpack, the Olympics are off to a much better start than last season.

The Olympic Mountains picked up 4-5" of fresh snow which we expect to bond well to recent snow or crusts as it arrived on a cooling trend. Moderate wind gusts likely transported the snow to form shallow slabs in specific terrain features near and above tree line. You can trigger these slabs near and above treeline on slopes greater than 35 degrees where you observe signs of wind-affected snow. Navigate around slopes adjacent to scoured ridgelines or pillow-like snow features where winds have built denser slabs. Look for signs of snow surfaces cracking, indicating stiff or cohesive snow near the surface. 

The weather should allow the wind slabs to begin to stabilize on Wednesday as isolated snow showers may bring an inch of fresh snow, while temperatures stay below-freezing temperatures and light winds decrease .

Below the recent snow, you should find several inches of consolidating snow from Monday, likely sitting above an 11/21 sun crust. Besides the thin crust, ONP rangers reported a relatively unconsolidated snowpack without much distinct layering as of Sunday (11/22).

Early season conditions exist:

1. We have minimal snowpack information. Plan to evaluate the snow as you travel and keep your objectives scaled back. Recent avalanche activity, rapid settlement of the snowpack as you travel, or heavy over less dense snowpack structure are all signs that the snow conditions may be more dangerous than a shallow wind slab. 
2. Travel will be more hazardous and terrain features look different than you expect. Avalanches, including small ones, will be more dangerous, potentially raking you through shallowly buried obstacles. Rivers and creeks are likely still open. Trail-breaking may be challenging given the lack of consolidated snow.

Forecast Schedule: For the 2019-20 winter season, avalanche danger ratings will be issued for the Olympics every Friday through Sunday and during mid-week holidays. During the week, No Rating will be issued but forecasts will include expected conditions and relevant travel advice.  If you are out in the Olympics, share your backcountry observations with us and the greater community.

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.