Avalanche forecast

Olympics

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

The snow conditions and weather this weekend may convince you that spring has sprung early.  Travel safely by avoiding terrain where a small loose wet avalanche could do damage in the wrong place.  Where you find firm surface conditions, make sure you can self-arrest a fall before crossing steep slopes.  

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    Wet snow avalanches are unlikely but not impossible as mild weather continues.   

    If you see pinwheels or rollerballs, the snow feels wet and heavy,  or see new loose wet avalanches, change aspects or move to lower angle terrain.  Be mindful of overhead hazards and terrain traps that can increase the consequences of being caught in a small avalanche. 

    While cornices are generally trimmed back and sagging in the Hurricane Ridge area,  give them space when traveling along ridgelines. 

    Glide cracks have opened in many typical avalanche start zones.  We are entering our 4th consecutive day of above freezing temperatures.  While glide avalanches are unlikely, don't linger below them during this warm spell while water continues to move through the snowpack. 

    (1/9/2022)

    Loose wet avalanches in Sunrise gully on a south-facing slope. 

    Photo: ONP Rangers

Avalanche Discussion

Didn't the groundhog say something about more winter?  Observers found spring-like variable snow conditions and coverage Thursday in the Hurricane Ridge area.  Even though temperatures have been above freezing since Wednesday morning, there were no signs of recent avalanche activity other than a few wet loose sluffs.  Surface crusts are reforming during clear overnights.  Shaded slopes are staying firm while sunny slopes are softening.  Pockets of old wind-drifted snow below ridgelines are discontinuous and unreactive.  Southerly aspects and lower elevations that are taking the brunt of this mild and sunny weather are showing an increasing number of bare patches and a variety of ground hazards.  The thick late January crust may be under a few inches of old settled snow or scoured at the surface.  Below the 1/30 crust, there are no layers of concern in the snowpack. 

Besides wet snow avalanche concerns, keep in mind the following non-avalanche related travel points:  

  • Ridgelines and wind-exposed slopes may have exposed rocks and vegetation, particularly on southerly aspects. Rocks may also be shallowly submerged. Rockfall has increased as steep slopes melt out, so always maintain awareness of the slopes above you.
  • Where the 1/30 crust is exposed and firm, it may be slick and icy. Falls may be difficult to control, so assess your ability to self-arrest a fall before crossing a steep slope. In other areas, breakable crusts may create challenging riding conditions.
  • Streams and creeks are opening up at lower elevations.

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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