Olympics

Watch for shallow new winds slabs building above treeline as new snow and strong winds impact the Olympics.  Loose wet avalanches are possible at mid/lower elevations where rain falls on dry snow. 

Hurricane Ridge picked up nearly 3 feet of snow over the last week but was spared relative to the snow-pocalypse that the Cascades experienced Wed night - Friday.  It's worth noting the southern Olympic peninsula received far more precipitation (places like Hoquiam WA set all-time daily precipitation record of 5.78" on 1/6!) and the southern/central mountains likely saw a different peak in avalanche conditions. 

On Saturday, NPS rangers and observers noted that S-SW aspects along ridgelines were largely stripped of snow and had a semi-breakable crust.  On northerly aspects and away from wind effect, the storm snow was largely right side up.  Natural cornice fall triggered at least two large wind slab avalanches between Friday afternoon and Saturday afternoon in the Hurricane Ridge area.   On Sunday with mild and sunny weather, cornice fall, lingering wind slabs and loose wet avalanches were all possible.  ONP Rangers noted several natural loose wet avalanches on steep sunny slopes. 

Loose wet avalanches are still possible Monday on steep slopes that still hold dry snow and receive rain.  If you see pinwheels, natural loose (point releases or sluffs) wet avalanches or find yourself sinking into the snow surface deeper than your ankle, it's time to seek out lower angle terrain or a different aspect.  Don't let a smaller slide catch you off-guard and slam you into trees or other terrain traps. 

Several inches of new snow will easily blow around at higher elevations on Monday with strong S-SW winds forecast.  Observe which slopes are being loaded and watch for signs like cracking in the new snow.  Use caution on slopes below ridgelines that have freshly drifted snow.   

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.