Avalanche forecast

Olympics

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Several days of rain and mild temperatures have taken a toll on the snowpack in the Hurricane Ridge area.  Travel cautiously to avoid open creeks and other low snow hazards.  We may receive enough new snow and wind Tuesday night for small wind slabs to form below ridgelines.  Don't let a small avalanche knock you into a terrain trap. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    The snow line will continue to move down the mountain Tuesday night as cooler air filters into the area.  West winds may build shallow new wind slabs on lee aspects by Wednesday morning.  Look for freshly drifted snow and smooth pillow-like features to identify which slopes to use caution on. 

    Whether it's a small wind slab avalanche or if you find a slick icy crust on steep slopes, think about the consequences of going for a ride and getting pushed into trees, open creeks, recently exposed rocks, or other ground hazards.  Take your time to understand how the snowpack has changed over the last week. 

    (12/8/2022)

    Use clues like wind rolls and wind drifts along ridgelines to help you figure out which slopes may harbor fresh wind slabs. 

    Photo: Katie Warren

Avalanche Discussion

 A big reset of the snowpack occurred over the last few days during an active storm cycle.  4.50" of precipitation fell from 12/24 through 12/27. Unfortunately, almost all of that water fell as rain, with breezy south winds eating back the snowpack.  The cold and layered snowpack is gone (or mostly gone, see pit photo below).  Professionals found evidence of several glide avalanches that occurred earlier in the storm cycle.

Travel has become more difficult with more wind-exposed ridgelines melted out and plenty of early season hazards rearing their head once again.  A few inches of fresh snow Tuesday night will be a start to at least cover up bare areas but we'll need more snow before travel drastically improves. 

Regions covered