Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Dec 30th, 2019–Dec 31st, 2019

Alpine

Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Alpine

Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Regions

Olympics.

Dangerous avalanche conditions will likely develop by the end of the day Tuesday and continue Tuesday night as a powerful storm impacts the region. Loose wet avalanches will become increasingly likely at lower and mid elevations. Slab avalanches are more likely at upper elevations and will be larger on lee slopes with wind drifted snow.

Discussion

Tuesday looks like a wet and windy day at Hurricane Ridge as a storm system rolls through. Wet snow avalanches are the most likely problem you'll encounter but if the storm stays colder than forecast with more snow than rain, be prepared for storm slab avalanches lower in the terrain.

Forecast Schedule

For the 2019-20 winter season, avalanche danger ratings will be issued for the Olympics every Friday through Sunday and during mid-week holidays. During the week, No Rating will be issued but forecasts will include expected conditions and relevant travel advice. If you are out in the Olympics, share your backcountry observations with us and the greater community.

Snowpack Discussion

New Regional Synopsis coming soon. We update the Regional Synopsis every Thursday at 6 pm.

Problems

Loose Wet

Loose Wet avalanches are the release of wet unconsolidated snow or slush. These avalanches typically occur within layers of wet snow near the surface of the snowpack, but they may quickly gouge into lower snowpack layers. Like Loose Dry Avalanches, they start at a point and entrain snow as they move downhill, forming a fan-shaped avalanche. Other names for loose-wet avalanches include point-release avalanches or sluffs. Loose Wet avalanches can trigger slab avalanches that break into deeper snow layers.

Storm Slabs

Storm Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within new snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slabs typically last between a few hours and few days (following snowfall). Storm-slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.