Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Olympics.
Storm slab instabilities should have settled by Wednesday, especially with warmer temperatures. Recent N-NE winds likely have loaded southerly aspects, especially near ridges, so make sure to evaluate wind loaded terrain. Moderate avalanche danger means human triggered avalanches are possible!
Detailed Forecast
Wednesday should continue to be mostly sunny with light winds. Temperatures should warm. The main avalanche problem should be new or lingering storm slab formed over the weekend or wind slabs formed through Tuesday. More recent northerly winds likely redistributed snow on more southerly aspects above and near treeline. With the recent low density snowfall, sheltered terrain may present a loose dry avalanche problem on steeper slopes near terrain traps.Â
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Snowpack Discussion
The Olympics have finally received enough snow to warrant avalanche forecasts for the season. NWAC observer Tyler Reid confirmed on Friday there is now sufficient snow to produce avalanches. Here is a short video from Tyler at Hurricane Ridge on Friday:
A storm system over the weekend only deposited about 6 inches at Hurricane Ridge through Sunday morning. Persistent snow showers Sunday and Sunday night deposited at least another 6 inches of low density snow.  Pro-observer Tyler Reid found touchy storm slab remaining on all aspects Monday at Hurricane Ridge.  Also, moderate westerly winds became northerly Sunday night through Tuesday... likely transporting and forming areas of shallow and new wind slab, mainly on more southerly aspects.  Â
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.
Wind Slabs form in specific areas, and are confined to lee and cross-loaded terrain features. They can be avoided by sticking to sheltered or wind-scoured areas..
Wind Slab avalanche. Winds blew from left to right. The area above the ridge has been scoured, and the snow drifted into a wind slab on the slope below.
Wind slabs can take up to a week to stabilize. They are confined to lee and cross-loaded terrain features and can be avoided by sticking to sheltered or wind scoured areas.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1
Storm Slabs
Release of a soft cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within the storm snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slab problems typically last between a few hours and few days. Storm-slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.
You can reduce your risk from Storm Slabs by waiting a day or two after a storm before venturing into steep terrain. Storm slabs are most dangerous on slopes with terrain traps, such as timber, gullies, over cliffs, or terrain features that make it difficult for a rider to escape off the side.
Storm slabs usually stabilize within a few days, and release at or below the trigger point. They exist throughout the terrain, and can be avoided by waiting for the storm snow to stabilize.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely
Expected Size: 1 - 1