Avalanche forecast

Olympics

Northwest Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 years ago.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

Highlights

Recent windy conditions formed slabs in some unusual locations. Look for textures on the snow surface and drifts behind objects to help you anticipate where the wind loaded snow. Steer around any steep slope where you suspect the wind drifted snow deeper.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Keep your eyes open for clues that the winds drifted snow onto a slope. Changes in the snow surface texture or how it feels underneath you may help you located and avoid recently formed wind slabs. In some cases, the surface may feel firm, hollow, or even punchy. Steer around slopes where you suspect the wind formed these new slabs. Instead, seek out less wind-affected or lower angled terrain. Recent northerly winds may have formed slabs on unusual aspects and features. As a result, some of your normal routes and runs could now hold wind drifts a foot or more thick. Approach this common avalanche problem with a fresh set of eyes.

    (12/27/2020) Example: A wind slab on a W facing slope in the West South zone earlier this winter.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    We’ve passed that time in the year and you can now feel the power of the sun. If skies clear on Saturday you may see small natural loose avalanches on very steep slopes. New rollerballs and the snow shedding from nearby trees will serve as your first warning. When you notice these signs, steer around steep slopes of a similar aspect and exposure. While we expect these slides to remain small, they may still harm you if they carry over a cliff or into a creek.

    (2/24/2020) Example: Rollerballs like these are a great indication that the snow surface is becoming wet and unstable. They can be the precursor to loose wet avalanches. When you see new rollerballs, steer away from similar slopes.

Avalanche Discussion

This recent storm since the 25th left Hurricane Ridge with 8-10” of new snow. Which brings the total for the week to somewhere around 24+”. This new snow may sit on top of a crust formed during last weekend’s atmospheric river event (2/23). While several layers still exist in the snow, we anticipate any avalanches activity to remain in the upper snowpack above this crust. Windy weather over the course of the last few days may redistribute the recent snow and forming drifts more than a foot thick. 

The mid-January facets and crust can still be found in snow profiles 4-5’ below the surface. This layer produced several large avalanches earlier in February. While no recent activity has occurred, don’t let this layer slip from your mind, especially if you plan to travel to more remote or higher elevation areas. In these locations, limited information during the recent stormy weather leaves us with a very high degree of uncertainty. Consider easing into the terrain by traveling on lower angle and lower consequence slopes first while you gather information. 

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.

Regions covered