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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Feb 8th, 2019–Feb 9th, 2019

Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Regions

Olympics.

New snow and wind will create dangerous avalanche conditions Saturday. You can trigger an avalanche on any steep wind loaded slope. Moderate NE winds will load unusual aspects and build wind slabs on open slopes below treeline as well as higher terrain. In wind sheltered areas, loose dry avalanches can run fast and far, don't let them catch you off guard. 

Discussion

Snow and Avalanche Discussion

It's been a quiet few weeks avalanche-wise in the Hurricane Ridge area. That began to change on Friday as 7" of low density snow fell quickly during the day with little wind. NPS rangers reported natural and skier triggered loose dry avalanches releasing on steep northerly aspects as the snow piled up. 

Avalanche conditions are expected to worsen Friday night through Saturday as additional snow and wind impact the Hurricane Ridge area. Snow, blowing snow, and temperatures in the single digits will hamper safe travel and group communication. 

NWAC professionals in the Hurricane Ridge area on Thursday found about 5-7 inches of low density snow above the most recent thin crust. The snow surface was weaker (more faceted) on north through east aspects near and above treeline in the terrain they traveled. Avalanches are more likely to fail on these weaker, older snow interfaces.

Loose dry avalanches will continue to be a concern in very steep terrain that isn't wind affected. Keep this in mind around terrain traps; you don't want a small but fast moving avalanche to take you on an unexpecting ride into trees or over a cliff.   

Forecast schedule

For the 2018-19 winter season, avalanche hazard ratings will be issued for the Olympics Friday through Sunday and during holidays. We will resume issuing ratings when access is once again available following the recent government shutdown.

General snowpack and weather summaries will be available on days that the Hurricane Ridge road is closed.

Snowpack Discussion

Regional Synopsis coming soon. 

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind 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.