Olympics

You are most likely to trigger an avalanche on steep open slopes at upper elevations where the wind has drifted recent snow.  When you encounter signs of instability like cracking in the new snow or recent avalanches, take a step back towards mellower terrain. 

This storm cycle dropped a foot of snow through Wednesday afternoon with similar amounts expected through Thursday morning.  This new snow will layer over a few inches of snow that fell at the tail end of last weekend's storm.  You're likely to find the 12/19 rain crust below around 5200' in the Hurricane. It's midweek and we have a dearth of fresh observations. If you're out - share your observations with us and your backcountry community. 

After a slow start to winter the landscape has filled in nicely at mid and upper elevations, but we aren't close to mid-winter depths. Keep an eye out for sharks lurking not too far below the snow surface at lower elevations (rocks, logs, etc).  Observers are still tracking a weak snow (facet) crust combination about 3' down on northerly aspects near treeline in the Hurricane Ridge area.  While this is worth looking for in snowpits, there have not been any reports of avalanches down to this layer.  At the bottom of the snowpack, you can find a thick crust from early December.

2021-22 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.