Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Olympics.
Deep new snow combined with moderate winds and warming has created dangerous avalanche conditions requiring conservative terrain choices Wednesday. Avoid steep slopes greater than 35 degrees, especially higher terrain that received wind deposited snow where you are likely to trigger avalanches. Avalanches could be large and run far and fast.
Discussion
Snow and Avalanche Discussion
Up to 3-ft or more of recent low-density storm snow is sitting on a hard crust layer. In some areas, buried surface hoar or faceted crystals above the crust are making for very poor bonding. Strong winds and gradual warming have created dangerous slabs to form in many areas, especially steep terrain having been loaded with wind transported snow. This is time to be vigilant choosing conservative terrain. Storm slabs can be avoided by sticking to low angle supported slopes. Cracking or whumphing of the snow is a valuable warning sign that anticipated problems are in your terrain.
Forecast schedule
For the 2018-19 winter season, avalanche hazard ratings will be issued for the Olympics Friday through Sunday and during holidays. We will resume issuing ratings when access is once again available following the recent government shutdown.
General snowpack and weather summaries will be available on days that the Hurricane Ridge road is closed.
Snowpack Discussion
New Regional Synopsis Coming Soon