Avalanche forecast

Olympics

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

A mix of wet and dry snow avalanche problems will create dangerous avalanche conditions on Friday.  Avoid slopes steeper than 35 degrees near and above treeline where you can trigger a large slab avalanche.   Give recently formed cornices a wide berth along ridgelines.  Be wary of loose wet avalanches at lower elevations near terrain traps. 

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

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

    Snow followed by rain up to 6000' will stress the snowpack.  Large natural slab avalanches are possible and human triggered slides are likely on open slopes steeper than 35 degrees near and above treeline.  Strong winds will continue to drift recent snow onto lee slopes at upper elevations.  Friday is not the day to dance around avalanche terrain.  Stick to lower angle terrain and limit your exposure to overhead hazard.  Some avalanches may break down to weak snow about 12-24 inches below the snow surface. 

  • Loose Wet

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

    If the rain and warm-up occur as forecast, then loose wet avalanches may become large and dangerous where they can entrain increasing amounts of recent snow at mid-elevations.  If you find yourself sinking in wet snow more than ankle-deep or see natural warning signs like pinwheels or rollerballs releasing from steep slopes, move to lower angle terrain.  Even small loose wet avalanches can knock you off your feet and can cause injury in the wrong piece of terrain. 

    Also avoid freshly formed cornices along ridgelines, making sure to give them a wide berth.  They are likely to break off with your without your help and may trigger avalanches on the slopes below. 

    Look for natural pinwheels or rollerballs at mid-elevations as a sign that you can trigger a loose wet avalanche in the surface snow.

Avalanche Discussion

It's been an active 36 hours since 12-15 inches of new snow accumulated at Hurricane Ridge.  A natural avalanche cycle involving small storm slabs, generally 8-12" occurred Wednesday - Wednesday night.  Several small loose wet avalanches were observed late Thursday below 5000' as temperatures warmed.  A skier triggered a large avalanche near treeline during the day on Thursday. Luckily no one was caught in the slide.  Slab avalanches may have failed on weak snow grains (3-4 mm surface hoar) now buried 1-2' below the snow surface.  The most prominent crust in the upper snowpack is now close to 2-3' below the surface in sheltered areas. 

Oh, and Happy New Year from the Northwest Avalanche Center!  We hope you have a safe and healthy start to 2021. 

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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