Avalanche forecast

Olympics

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Avalanche danger could increase in the afternoon on southerly terrain. The snowpack is generally stable but freezing levels in the Olympics will push 9000' on Sunday - be ready to change plans if you find conditions different from what you expect. 

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    Small loose wet avalanches are possible on southerly slopes on Sunday. Rising freezing levels plus the probability of more sun will require you to assess danger based on changing conditions throughout the day. Move to lower angle terrain if you witness signs of instability like rollerballs, a rapidly warming snow surface, or current avalanche activity. If you find a thick crust topping snow surfaces, then loose wet avalanches are unlikely. 

    In addition to loose wet avalanches, be aware of sagging cornices, glide cracks that indicate the entire snowpack is slipping on the ground below, and other unstable snow features in steep, rocky terrain. Give suspect areas plenty of room and minimize the amount of time spent below if there are no other terrain options. 

    (1/9/2022)

    Loose wet avalanches in Sunrise gully on a south-facing slope. 

    Photo: ONP Rangers

Avalanche Discussion

Observers Saturday noted warming snow surfaces on southerly aspects. No new natural or human triggered avalanches were reported.

Hurricane Ridge picked up 1.5” of precipitation since January 10th falling nearly all as rain. Observers in the same area Thursday noted a general lack of avalanches from the last few days with observed activity limited to small glide avalanches on road cuts and shedding cornice chunks. A supportable crust was noted on solar aspects while shaded aspects were less supportable. Below the surface crust, the snowpack consisted of alternating melt form and rounded grain layers down to the Solstice Crust. No significant snowpack test results were reported. Snow depth ranges from 100-170cm varying by aspect and exposure to wind.

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.

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