Avalanche Forecast
Jan 31st, 2019–Feb 1st, 2019
Alpine
2:
Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1:
Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1:
Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2:
Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1:
Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1:
Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Regions: Olympics.
The Bottom Line: It has been over a month since the Hurricane Ridge area has been open. Be aware that snow depth and coverage falls off rapidly below about 4800', so be prepared for early season hazards the lower you go. An incoming weather system may build shallow wind slabs above treeline Friday but will otherwise do little to change the generally safe avalanche conditions in the area.
Snow and Avalanche Discussion
Welcome back! Matt Schonwald was out gathering fresh observations from the Mt. Ellinor area Wednesday and the Hurricane Ridge area Thursday. In these areas, there hasn't been any significant new or recent avalanche activity and we don't have weak surface snow to worry about heading into this next storm cycle.
The generally mild snow levels seen for much of the winter have left us with a stark jump from little to no snow below 4500' to up to 5-6 ft (2 m) in wind sheltered areas below ridgelines. The stark differences in snow depths extend to solar (sunny) aspects as well, with little or no snow on steep south facing slopes and along wind swept ridge-lines.
We aren't tracking any specific layers heading into Friday's mild storm, but be cognizant of the running out of snow the lower you go because early season hazards exist below roughly 4800' in the Hurricane Ridge area.
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.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Observe if winds are transporting snow and building fresh wind slabs above treeline Friday. Approach steep unsupported slopes with wind-drifted snow cautiously, feeling for firm or hollow sounding snow as a sign that wind slabs may be present. You can stay safe by traveling on ridges, wind-scoured areas and any slope less than 35 degrees.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1