Avalanche Forecast

Fair weather on Tuesday will continue to minimize the avalanche hazard in the Olympics, and no significant avalanche problems are expected. Firm frozen surface snow will soften on slopes receiving direct sun. Shaded slopes will remain frozen and firm.

Several non-avalanche-related hazards exist. Firm surface snow will make travel difficult and potentially dangerous. Avoid steep icy slopes where it will be difficult to stop a fall. Large holes have been reported in the snowpack due to glide cracks, creeks, and rocks and should be avoided. 

Use appropriate travel techniques Tuesday to reduce your exposure to non-avalanche hazards.

A strong well consolidated snowpack exist in most locations in the Olympics. Cold temperatures have allowed surface snow to freeze creating a supportable surface crust. On slopes receiving direct sun, this surface crust softens during the day and re-freezes at night.

Warm and wet weather the first week of February has created a spring-like and relatively uniform snowpack. No layers of concern exist in the snowpack at this time.

Observations

NWAC pro-observer Matt Schonwald and NPS Rangers traveled in the Mt Angeles areas Thursday, 2/8. The snowpack was described as a fairly uniform, well drained late spring snowpack, lacking any distinctive layering. There were a few glide avalanches observed, likely releasing last Saturday during a rain event.