Avalanche forecast

Olympics

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Winds may increase enough on Saturday to form fresh wind slabs at upper elevations.  Approach steep open slopes with caution where you find recently drifted snow.  Enjoy the deep, low density snow in more sheltered terrain to start the New Year!

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    You're most likely to trigger a slab avalanche just below lee ridges and other wind-loaded terrain features like at the base of cliffs where spin drifts have accumulated over time. If you encounter red flags like shooting cracks or recent avalanches on similar slopes, step back and choose more sheltered or simpler terrain.  

    (12/29/2021)

    Wind textured surfaces show signs of recent wind transport. Use clues like this to anticipate and avoid wind-loaded slopes. 

    Photo: Sam Luthy

Avalanche Discussion

Hurricane Ridge picked up another few inches with upslope snow showers on Friday, a great way to end a great month of winter at the Ridge.  Observers noted surface hoar in non-wind affected terrain.  Surface hoar and weak snow (near surface facets) buried 6" down is something to watch as we head into Sunday; the avalanche danger could increase dramatically relative to what've seen over the last 10 days.

Near constant storms since 12/21 continuously deposited snow in the Olympics. Around 24-30” (60-75cm) of generally right-side-up storm snow currently rest on the Solstice crust. We anticipate any avalanche hazard to remain near the most recent (12/29) storm snow interface. 

Happy New Year from all of us at NWAC!

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