Olympics

Several days of very warm temperatures have helped heal cold-snow instabilities on polar aspects, while building crusts on solar aspects that limit loose wet avalanche activity. If these crusts break down, you could still trigger trigger a small loose wet avalanche in wet snow on a steep sunny slope.  Travel with caution due to early season conditions and shallowly submerged terrain obstacles.

A storm on Monday brought 6-8" of new snow with strong winds at the outset.  Since the storm, the snowpack at Hurricane Ridge continues to settle gradually as sunshine arrived with unusually mild temperatures Tuesday afternoon and temperatures have remained in the 30s and 40s ever since, even hitting 50 degrees mid-day on Friday! We've dropped the wind slab problem since we think they have had ample time to heal. Although crusts were reported on Thursday on non-polar aspects, these might break down with direct sunshine on Saturday if the clouds hold off until late in the day. We expect that it will be difficult to produce a loose wet avalanche, but if you sink into wet snow deeper than your ankle or see rollerball activity, the advice is simple: Move to colder, shaded slopes.

Professionals in the Hurricane Ridge area on Thursday reported a thick, supportable crust on steep S-facing aspects.  North-facing aspects had  4-6" of lower density settled storm snow that remains cold and dry. You might find breakable crusts on E or W aspects or on lower-angle south-facing slopes.

Early season conditions exist, particularly in the trees. Avalanches, including small ones, will be more dangerous, potentially raking you through shallowly buried obstacles. Rivers and creeks are likely still open. 

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.