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RegisterJan 13th, 2018–Jan 14th, 2018
Olympics.
An overnight refreeze will limit but not eliminate avalanche hazards Sunday. A lingering wind slab was triggered by a backcountry traveler Saturday reminds us that slab avalanches are still possible near and above treeline. Identify and avoid locations where avalanches are likely to trigger, such as convex rolls and near rocks.
Clear skies Saturday night should allow for snow surfaces to refreeze. Surface crusts will delay but not remove avalanche hazard on Sunday.
Near and above treeline lingering wind slabs can still be found. The recent skier triggered avalanche is a reminder that slab avalanches are still possible. The upper snowpack is gaining strength, but this takes time. Identify and avoid areas in the terrain where avalanches are more likely to be triggered such as convex rolls, below cliffs, and shallow spots within the snowpack.
Warm air temperatures and mostly sunny skies will break down the new surface crust Sunday. This will take time and limit loose wet avalanche activity. Monitor changes in surface snow conditions. It only takes a few inches of wet surface snow to avalanche.
Despite the recent snow, early season hazards still exist. Many creek beds have still not filled in for the winter.
Light rain at Hurricane Ridge tapered off Saturday morning giving way to clearing skies and warm temperatures. Moist to wet surface snow developed near and below treeline. Clear skies Saturday night should allow surface snow to refreeze creating a new surface crust on most slopes.
Ridge top winds Thursday through early Saturday morning formed wind slabs on a variety of aspects.
About of foot of recent snow is bonding to the most recent rain crust. Below this rain crust, no notable layers of concern have been identified within the snowpack.
The height of snow across the terrain is quite variable with little snow in many areas below treeline. Numerous obstacles still exist at all elevations.
Observations
NPS rangers reported a skier triggered avalanche from the Hurricane Ridge area Saturday morning. The avalanche occurred as the skier was traversing across a steep convex rollover locally known as Avalanche Run near Poma Bowl (SW aspect around 5300 feet). The avalanche was estimated to be 12 inches deep, about 100 feet wide, and ran down slope for 300-400 feet. The skier was caught and carried but did not sustain any injuries.
Skier triggered wet snow avalanche 1/13, releasing on traverse (upper right). photo: NPS ranger
A separate natural, loose-wet avalanche occurred on Saturday in a known avalanche path named 20th of June. The avalanche occurred around 10am and ran for 300-400’.
Rangers also noted several glide cracks on steep smooth rock slabs.
NWAC pro-observer, Matt Schonwald was at Hurricane Ridge on Thursday 1/11. Matt found despite the significant storm snow, below the treeline elevation band had quite variable snow cover. Winds actively transported new snow near and especially above treeline, but the loading pattern was variable.