Avalanche forecast

Olympics

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago.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

You could encounter stormy conditions with very strong winds and blowing snow. This may make it difficult to identify and avoid wind loaded features. Pay attention to which direction the wind transports the snow and steer around steep slopes where you suspect wind loading. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    This storm looks very windy and despite only modest new snowfall amounts, you could find freshly formed wind slabs. When strong winds transport snow, we often see unusual loading patterns with slabs forming well below ridgeline and along the sides of mid-slope features. Poor visibility may make it difficult to easily see clues that slopes around you hold wind loaded snow. Instead, pay attention to the wind and which way it blows. Anticipate slabs on any lee aspect or exposed feature. If you suspect a slope is wind-loaded, steer around it. As snow continues to fall throughout the day, avalanche danger will slowly creep up. By the end of the day, you may find drifts more than foot deep.

    (12/23/2020) Example: Blowing snow from moderate southeasterly winds was forming thin new wind slabs. Chair Peak, 5200' N aspect.

Avalanche Discussion

Limited observations from the Olympics this week have us in the dark concerning current conditions. We suspect a very frim crust (12/21) formed during rain events last weekend. At this point, you could find a few inches of snow over this layer. Any avalanche activity should be limited to the snow above this prominent snowpack marker.

Windy conditions may scour the snow down to the icy crust on some slopes creating particularly slippery conditions. A simple fall could easily turn into an uncontrolled slide. Use caution if you consider crossing these icy patches and think about the consequences of a fall. Expect variable snow surface conditions Saturday, with a mix of icy slopes, deep drifts, and breakable crusts. Thin snow coverage still exists along ridgelines and at lower elevations. Give yourself extra time to deal with these travel challenges. 

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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