Avalanche forecast

Olympics

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Avalanche danger will hinge on the strength of the snow surface on Saturday. Avoid moving across or below steep terrain if the snow surface warms dramatically through the day.  Identify and minimize time spent below cornices and other unstable snow features in steep or rocky terrain above you.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    The avalanche danger on Saturday will most likely be determined by two factors. How much does the snow surface freeze overnight and how much sun comes out the following day? A cold night with a solid refreeze and lots of clouds tomorrow will make for less danger as the snow surface will stay strong and locked up through the day. A weak refreeze plus more sun than expected will make for a weak snow surface and might even trigger a round of small natural avalanches on southerly aspects. Prepare to assess weather and snow surface conditions throughout the day. Move to simpler terrain if you witness recent signs of instability, avalanche activity, or are skinking past your ankles in wet snow - even with the assistance of skis or other floatation. 

    In addition to loose wet avalanches, be aware of sagging cornices, glide cracks that indicate the entire snowpack is slipping on the ground below, and other steep, rocky, snow covered terrain. Give suspect terrain plenty of room and minimize the amount of time spent below if there are no other terrain options. 

     

    (1/9/2022)

    Small loose wet avalanches that initiated in steep rocky terrain.  

    Photo: Matt Primomo

Avalanche Discussion

Hurricane Ridge picked up 1.5” of precipitation since January 10th falling nearly all as rain. Observers in the same area Thursday noted a general lack of avalanches from the last few days with observed activity limited to small glide avalanches on road cuts and shedding cornice chunks. A supportable crust was noted on solar aspects while shaded aspects were less supportable. Below the surface crust, the snowpack consisted of alternating melt form and rounded grain layers down to the Solstice Crust. No significant snowpack test results were reported. Snow depth ranges from 100-170cm varying by aspect and exposure to wind.

2021-22 Forecast Schedule: Avalanche danger ratings will be issued for the Olympics every Friday through Sunday and during mid-week holidays. During the week when the Hurricane Ridge road is closed, forecast information will be updated daily to include expected conditions and relevant travel advice under the No Rating label.

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