Avalanche Forecast
Jan 27th, 2019–Jan 28th, 2019
Alpine
Below Threshold
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be below threshold
Treeline
Below Threshold
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be below threshold
Below Treeline
Below Threshold
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be below threshold
Alpine
Below Threshold
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be below threshold
Treeline
Below Threshold
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be below threshold
Below Treeline
Below Threshold
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be below threshold
Regions: Olympics.
The Bottom Line: Although the weather is quiet, the warm temperatures are maintaining some uncertainty regarding how recent colder snow interfaces are adjusting to the warming. Watch for deeper melting surface snow on steep sun-facing slopes sheltered from the wind.
Snow and Avalanche Discussion
Temperatures have been above freezing at Hurricane Ridge for the past three days. If you see signs that the snow is not adjusting well to the warming, such as glide cracks, cornice failures, larger avalanches, or wet snow that your boot sinks easily into, seek safer terrain.
The January 22-23 storm ended warm and likely formed a rain crust to approximately 5500 ft. Melt-freeze crusts should exist on most aspects to ridgelines following the several days of very mild temperatures and sunshine.
While Loose Wet avalanches will be unlikely on Monday, you might encounter wet snow on steep, rocky, sunny slopes. If you start experiencing roller balls or wet snow deeper than your ankle, adjust your aspect to find firmer and safer conditions.
We received another recent observation from the Olympic mountains. Low snow coverage below 4000' and evidence of many strong crusts throughout the snowpack told the story of multiple rain events in this area, as well as recent avalanches on lee slopes at higher elevations.
Right now we are forecasting without specific snowpack and avalanche observations from the Hurricane Ridge area due to the government shutdown. If you travel to the Olympic Mountains, please help your local forecast by submitting an observation.