Avalanche Forecast
Jan 24th, 2019–Jan 25th, 2019
Alpine
Below Threshold
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be below threshold
Treeline
Below Threshold
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be below threshold
Below Treeline
Below Threshold
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be below threshold
Alpine
Below Threshold
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be below threshold
Treeline
Below Threshold
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be below threshold
Below Treeline
Below Threshold
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be below threshold
Regions: Olympics.
The Bottom Line: Avalanche problems should be confined to specific terrain features Friday. Recently formed wind slabs may still be lingering on steep lee slopes above treeline. Think about the increasing potential for loose wet avalanches on steep southerly facing slopes during expected warm sunny weather Friday. Remember, we don't have any specific snowpack observations from the Hurricane Ridge area during the government shutdown, so you will need to account for the extra uncertainty before entering avalanche terrain.
Snow and Avalanche Discussion
Look for lingering wind slabs above the most recent rain-line on steep unsupported slopes at higher elevations. 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. Be aware that potential afternoon sunshine will increase the odds for loose wet avalanches. These avalanches are most likely to release from steep, rocky, sunny slopes as the day progresses. Monitor changes in the upper snowpack, looking for natural pinwheels or small loose wet avalanches as clear signs of increasing danger. Avoid terrain traps like gullies where even a small avalanche can bury you.
We received another recent observation from the Olympic mountains. Low snow coverage below 4000' and evidence of many strong crusts throughout the snowpack told the story of multiple rain events in this area, as well as recent avalanches on lee slopes at higher elevations.
Right now we are forecasting without specific snowpack and avalanche observations from the Hurricane Ridge area due to the government shutdown. If you travel to the Olympic Mountains, please help your local forecast by submitting an observation.