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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 10th, 2015–Jan 11th, 2015
Alpine
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Olympics.

The avalanche danger is low. However, non-avalanche terrain hazards are present due to the thin snowpack. Also, be prepared to self-arrest if traversing steep and icy slopes.  

Detailed Forecast

Chance of a few light rain and snow showers along with further cooling and cloudy conditions are expected on Sunday. This will not change the overall low avalanche danger and there are no highlighted avalanche problems expected in the Olympics. 

As a general backcountry travel safety note, watch for terrain hazards (exposed rocks, trees, streams, etc.) at lower elevations and on wind scoured aspects. Long slides and potentially dangerous consequences remain as the result of falls on slick surface crusts on many more northerly aspects. Take extra caution when traversing steep slopes and be prepared to self-arrest if necessary.  

Snowpack Discussion

Mild temperatures and a few light rain showers were received on Hurricane Ridge Saturday. This has not appreciably changed the overall stable snowpack and current low danger.

A week ago, Hurricane Ridge received light snow last Sunday before receiving about 2 inches of rain Sunday night and Monday. 

Dry and unseasonably warm weather followed the rain this past week, through Friday. In the Olympics, this allowed the snowpack to drain, consolidate and generally reset the entire snowpack producing melt-freeze crusts of varying thicknesses. Crust layers likely formed during the clear nights midweek with generally only southerly aspects softening. On some windward or southerly aspects, there is little to zero snow cover. 

Travel (ski) conditions remain poor, to say the least.