Olympics

While Low avalanche danger is expected for the vast majority of Saturday, an incoming storm means you'll need to monitor for changing conditions.  If the storm arrives faster than forecast,  use caution on steep wind-loaded slopes below ridgelines with freshly drifted snow.  Plan for decreasing visibility and rising avalanche hazard late in the day and Saturday night. 

After a clear cold night, NPS Rangers reported that 1-2 mm surface hoar had developed Friday morning.  If you're traveling around in the backcountry Saturday, track where the featherly snow crystals are still intact and might be buried by the incoming storm, such as shady aspects out of direct sun and at least somewhat sheltered from wind.  Earlier in the week, several inches of dry and fluffy snow had accumulated at Hurricane Ridge during periods of light to moderate northerly winds.  NPS Rangers observed that winds had drifted the recent snow into soft and shallow slabs.  No new or recent avalanches have been reported. 

Even with some recent snow, travel hazards are still present due to the below normal snowpack.  Unusually dry and warm conditions in January and the first half of February exposed bare ground on many W and S aspects. Photos from these outings remain in the media gallery to remind you of the landscape prior to the snowfall and how the new snow may just be enough to mask shallowly submerging rocks or stumps - or magnify the risk of a small avalanche. Also take your time navigating shallow snowpack areas or open creeks in the valley bottoms.

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.