Olympics

You can still trigger avalanches on cold, northerly slopes where last weekend's wind event deposited dense slabs and drifts. Seeking out less wind-loaded terrain and avoiding slopes with overhanging cornices will reduce your exposure to this hazard. Warming temperatures and direct sun may lead to wet loose avalanches on very steep sunny slopes.

Temperatures at Hurricane Ridge reached into the upper 30’s Monday and southwest winds were light. We expect a slight cooling trend Tuesday, with temperatures in the low to mid 30’s, partly cloudy skies, and light southwest winds. 

Last week's stormy weather built wind-slabs at upper elevations and along exposed ridgelines. Most of these slabs were created early last weekend and are likely becoming harder to trigger as the mild weather and warmer temperatures help to bond the newer slabs to the old snow surface. You are most likely to start an avalanche below corniced ridgelines, or where deeper, lense shaped drifts sit on steep slopes (see photo below).  In addition, cornices are large and in many case ready to fail ... give them some space!

Another day of mild temperatures, light winds, and some direct sun may lead to shallow wet loose avalanche activity on slopes receiving intense solar radiation.  Rollerballs and very wet and weak snow are signals to move to cooler, shaded slopes. 

While we anticipate any avalanche activity to be limited to the recent storm snow, there are a couple layers in the upper snowpack that are worth mentioning: 

1. A strong crust 20-30” below the snow surface. While no avalanches have been reported on this layer, there are some reports of instability in snopack tests. It can also serve as an excellent marker to interpret recent and coming storms. 
2. A facet/crust layer from mid-January is 4 feet or more below the snow surface. Recent large and destructive avalanches are occurring on this layer in the central cascades. 

2020-21 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.

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.