Avalanche forecast

Olympics

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Fresh and shallow wind slabs will likely form Thursday night and Friday as a weak weather system moves through.  Steer around open slopes steeper than 35 degrees that have firmer wind stiffened snow at mid and upper elevations.  In non-wind affected areas, small loose dry avalanches are possible on very steep slopes.  

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Following a wild and wet end to 2020 and the first few days of 2021,  the next weather system to impact the Olympics Thursday night and Friday will seem tame in comparison.   A few inches of snow and moderate ridgeline winds will likely form shallow new wind slabs on lee slopes.  Feel for firmer wind stiffened snow as you climb in elevation and watch for signs of instability like shooting cracks in the new snow or recent avalanches.  You can always move to lower angle terrain or more wind-scoured aspects to avoid this problem.  Loose dry avalanches will be possible on very steep slopes sheltered from the wind.  Bear in mind the consequences of small avalanches that can knock you off your feet near terrain traps.  

    (12/17/2020) Long shooting cracks with textured, stiff and wind deposited snow like this one are indicators of wind slab instabilities.

Avalanche Discussion

NPS and NWAC staff in the Hurricane Ridge area on Thursday found good stability and a deep snowpack.  In less wind-affected areas, the snowpack has grown 3-4' above 5000' since New Year's Eve! On lee north aspects at 5800',  snow depths averaged about 7-8 ft.  The upper 3 ft (1m) had a favorable hardness profile meaning weaker over stronger snow.  Older storm snow instabilities seem to have settled out and no new or recent slab avalanches were observed in the surrounding terrain.  Small loose dry avalanches were running fast on steep slopes.  On southerly aspects, a semi-breakable crust can be found under a few inches of snow.  Below treeline, the storm snow from the last week is still unconsolidated in many areas. 

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.

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