Avalanche Forecast

Avalanches will continue to be unlikely Monday. Another day of cool clear weather will minimize avalanche hazard in the Olympics, resulting in no significant avalanche problems. Firm frozen surface snow will soften on slopes receiving direct sun later in the day. Shaded slopes will remain frozen and firm.

Several non-avalanche-related hazards exits in the area Monday. 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. Stay away from these openings which pose a threat to backcountry travelers.  

Use appropriate travel techniques Monday to reduce your exposure to avalanche terrain and 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 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.