Avalanche Forecast

A storm system that moved inland to the south late Wednesday cause a period of moderate easterly winds Wednesday, likely redistributing surface snow to unusual aspects, mostly westerly facing near and above treeline. 

Locally new wind slab from the recent easterly winds is possible Friday. This should be mainly on westerly aspects near ridges.

Mostly fair weather with cold temperatures and light winds are expected Friday. The cold temperatures should slow the stabilization of recent wind deposited layers.

Older wind slab from the latest storm cycle should have mostly stabilized, but watch for firmer wind transported snow on all aspects mainly near and above treeline.

In the Cascades, the December 8th layer continues to round and gain strength and should be less sensitive to trigger. We don't have any evidence of this persistent weak layer in the Olympics. This type of layer is less common in the Olympics and it won't be listed here as an avalanche problem, but head for lower angle slopes and ratchet back your plans if you experience collapsing or whumpfing or have evidence of this layer such as from snowpits.

Storm slabs from the latest storm cycle should have mostly stabilized in the Olympics by this time.

Loose dry avalanches remain possible on some steep terrain, protected from recent winds. 

With deep unconsolidated snow in sheltered areas there remains a risk for tree well and snow immersion suffocation. When near trees, ride or ski with a partner and keep them in sight at all times!

Even though the lower part of the below treeline band is filling in, watch for early season travel hazards such as barely covered rocks and open creeks.

Weather and Snowpack

Cold and fair weather early last week.

The latest storm cycle began about December 8th with four day storm snow amounts in the Hurricane Ridge area about 3 feet ending Monday morning. 

Since Monday, there has been a mix of sun and some clouds with cold temperatures. A period of moderate easterly winds occurred Wednesday, with Hurricane Ridge wind recording easterly winds 15-25 mph most of the day.  

Recent Observations

A storm related avalanche cycle was seen December 8th-11th. Some avalanches released on a December 8th persistent weak layer in the Washington Cascades, though the presence of that layer has not been verified in the Olympics as yet. There was also a snow immersion fatality at Snoqualmie on December 11th and a snow immersion close call at Stevens on December 10th.

The NPS ranger at Hurricane Ridge indicated widespread natural slides had reached the road in many places by Sunday morning, likely releasing overnight during moderate to heavy snowfall.

There is a report via the NWAC Observations tab from Sunday of a triggered slab avalanche on a steep east slope apparently above Lake Angeles.