Avalanche forecast

Olympics

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

After a week of snow and wind, winter has returned to the Hurricane Ridge area.   Use caution near and below ridgelines where you find denser wind stiffened snow, especially at upper elevations where we have no recent information.  While lower elevations are filling in, you'll find early season hazards like logs, small trees and rocks still lurking. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    The wind had its way with all the recent snow in the Hurricane Ridge area this week.  On Thursday, NWAC Observer Sam Luthy and NPS staff found wind rolls,  new cornices, and stripped windward surfaces all along ridgelines on Thursday.   Directly below lee ridgelines, 6-8" of denser wind-affected snow could be found.  Observe how the snow stiffness and texture change across aspects and elevations.  We have no information about the above treeline snowpack.  Assume you may trigger a wind slab avalanche on steep open slopes above treeline with wind-drifted snow.   You can always choose more sheltered or lower angle terrain to avoid the problem.   

    (12/16/2021)

    Overhanging cornices and wind rolls formed this week as moderate winds moved around recent low density snow.  Use these common wind features to help determine where you are likeliest to trigger a wind slab avalanche. 

    Photo: Sam Luthy

Avalanche Discussion

Outside of wind affected areas, the snowpack is generally right side up.  The landscape has filled in nicely at mid and upper elevations, but don't get lulled into a winter wonderland. Keep an eye out for sharks lurking not too far below the snow surface at lower elevations (rocks, logs, etc).  Observers are tracking a weak snow (facet) crust combination about 3' down on northerly aspects near treeline in the Hurricane Ridge area.  No known avalanches have been reported on this layer, but it's worth keeping an eye on while we head into a stormy weekend.  At the bottom of the snowpack, you can find a thick crust from late November. 

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.

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