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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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

You can still trigger a small wind slab lingering on shaded upper elevation slopes. In these areas, navigate around steep, convex slopes approaching 40 degrees. At lower elevations, travel with caution due to early season conditions and shallowly submerged terrain obstacles, particularly on non-polar aspects.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1

    A storm on Monday brought 6-8" of new snow with strong winds at the outset. We've now had 4 days for these wind slabs to heal and mild temperatures likely hastened that process on all but colder aspects at upper elevations. Professionals found that the most likely location for you to trigger an avalanche is where winds have loaded the snow more than 6" deep sitting atop a crust and the failure could occur just below the crust. Trying to use visual clues to determine the location of wind slabs from Monday's storm may not work well, because the telltale surface texture cues we look for may be covered with lower density snow.  Consistent probing of the snow for a punchy snow layer below the lower density snow should be more useful. When in doubt, steer around poorly supported slopes approaching 40 degrees of pitch and choose supported, lower-angle slopes.

    (12/2/2020) These slabs released naturally on steep, convex rollovers during Monday's storm in a neighboring zone. Similar features might be triggered on Friday on cold upper-elevation slopes.

Avalanche Discussion

The snowpack at Hurricane Ridge continues to settle gradually as sunshine arrived with unusually mild temperatures Tuesday afternoon. The warm temperatures continue to affect Hurricane Ridge.  Professionals on Hurricane Ridge reported a thick, supportable crust on steep S-facing aspects.  As the sun returns with very mild temperatures on Friday, we expect this crust to inhibit rollerball and loose wet avalanche activity.  North-facing aspects have  4-6" of lower density settled storm snow that remains cold and dry. 

Early season conditions exist, particularly in the trees. Avalanches, including small ones, will be more dangerous, potentially raking you through shallowly buried obstacles. Rivers and creeks are likely still open. 

2020-21 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.  

During the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, continue to follow the latest guidance from local, state and federal health officials. Avoid unnecessary risks that could impact first responders and stress medical resources.  Wear a mask when appropriate, practice social distancing, and consider recreating closer to home.

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