Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Olympics.
Generally safe avalanche conditions are expected on Monday. In isolated areas above treeline, you may still be able to trigger an old wind slab on steep slopes with wind drifted snow.
Discussion
After another day with above freezing temperatures, periods of sunshine and with no observed avalanches in over a week, the avalanche danger continues to fall towards Low in the Hurricane Ridge area. That will change on Tuesday as we begin a significant storm cycle - stay tuned for details.Â
If you travel above treeline, you may find older wind slabs on lee slopes. Previously formed wind slabs are unlikely to trigger but use caution on steep slopes with wind drifted snow. Steer around steep convex slopes below cornices and when you find pillow-like snowdrifts. Â
Below treeline, low snow means that rocks, stumps, creeks and other hazards are still present, so travel carefully as you drop down in elevation.Â
Forecast Schedule
For the 2019-20 winter season, avalanche danger ratings will be issued for the Olympics every Friday through Sunday and during mid-week holidays. During the week, No Rating will be issued but forecasts will include expected conditions and relevant travel advice. If you are out in the Olympics, share your backcountry observations with us and the greater community.
Snowpack Discussion
December 26, 2019 (The regional synopsis is updated every Thursday @ 6 pm)
No matter where you are in the northwest, the snowpack looks a world different than it did a week ago. A major storm, widespread avalanches, developing weak layers, and an initially thin snowpack made for a hectic week. Letâs take a look at a few large scale trends for our holiday season.Â
A very large natural avalanche (D3) on the Shuksan Arm near Mt Baker that occurred during the storm cycle. Photo: Adam U.Â
Wet and Wild
âSome of the highest precipitation rates Iâve ever seen.â âAbsolutely puking!â âRivers running in the streets.â âSnowing snow hard I canât see my hand in front of my face.â These were all statements we heard describing the wet and wild storm that impacted the Northwest from about Thursday (12/19) through Sunday night (12/22). Water totals were staggering in many locations (Table 1). For Hurricane Ridge, Mt Baker, Washington Pass, and high elevation terrain this deluge translated into significant snowfall. However, warm air in the central and southern parts of the region brought rain well into the near treeline bands. Whether your favorite spot saw rain or snow, four things are clear. 1. This was a huge loading event. 2. A widespread natural and triggered avalanche cycle (up to D3) occurred. 3. Avalanche danger spiked during and just after the storm before trending down through the week. 4. The snowpack changed dramatically.Â
Location
Precipitation 12/19-22
Hurricane Ridge
4.97â
Mt Baker Ski Area
7.35â
Washington Pass
3.53â
Stevens Pass
6.28â
Leavenworth
2.94â
Snoqualmie Pass
7.89â
Crystal Mt Ski Area
7.45â
Paradise, Mt Rainier
6.57â
Mt Hood Meadows
2.18â
Table 1: Precipitation totals for select weather station locations December 19-22. Â Â
The Emergence of Persistent Slab Avalanche Problems
Coming out of this huge loading event, there was hope that many of the early season weak layers had been destroyed. Unfortunately, this was not the case in some locations. Old weak snow layers reared their heads in areas east of the Cascade Crest and near Crystal Mountain. While the exact extent and character of these layers can differ slightly, most locations are finding a layer of weak sugary facets associated with a crust about a foot above the ground. Persistent slabs are tricky to assess. Do not solely rely on snowpits and snowpack tests to help you choose terrain. How will these layers change going forward? Only time and observations will tell.Â
You may find weak sugary facets near a crust about 12 inches above the ground similar to what you see here. Photo: Jesse Charles
Low Tide Snowpacks During the Holidays
The storm this past week definitely helped the meager early-season snowpacks in all locations. Areas like Hurricane Ridge, Mt Baker, and Washington Pass experienced a jump of 20 or more inches in their snow depths over the past week. However, even with these increases, an early season snowpack still describes most locations. Expect numerous obstacles as you travel including open creeks, rocks, and trees. With this thin snowpack, limited access, and difficult travel we still have limited observations in some regions.Â
Open, deeply incised creeks in the Alpental Valley. Photo: Dallas Glass
Lack of information leads to a higher than normal degree of uncertainty. If you travel to higher elevations or more remote trailheads, recognize you could experience different conditions than the forecast suggested. You can help us fill in the gaps by submitting your observation here.Â
Happy Holidays!Â
-Dallas Glass