Olympics

Even though this wasn’t a big storm in the Olympics, it likely created new avalanche concerns especially in wind drifted snow. As you travel at mid and upper elevations, look for clues like drifts and sharp cornices to help point out which slope you may want to avoid.

While this storm wasn’t a huge snow producer, our weather station at Hurricane Ridge showed about 6” of new snow as of 5 pm on Monday. Locations on the west side of the Olympics likely received more snow. A Level 2 avalanche course in the field on Sunday afternoon reported the storm snow bonded well to the old surface, at least into the bottom of the near treeline band. At these elevations, the surface had become moist due to warm temperatures and wet snow, allowing it to stick easily. On wind-exposed ridgelines and features, the snow likely drifted into firmer and deeper slabs. It’s in these locations that you’re most likely to encounter avalanche concerns. Wind textured surfaces and drifts can point towards aspects that may hold wind-loaded snow. At upper elevations, some of these wind slabs could rest on a very firm and icy crust that did not soften with the onset of the storm. This may allow avalanches to trigger easily or move quickly. Take time to identify where you think the wind formed slabs and then choose lower angled or less wind-affected snow to help reduce your risk. 

Prior to the storm, observers reported a very firm but rough snow surface. This surface roughness may help prevent larger avalanches and help hold the snow in place. Pockets of near-surface facets were seen near Hurricane Ridge. However, these weak grains were very localized and likely don’t pose a significant risk in that area. If you travel to more remote parts of the zone, this possible weak layer may be of greater concern. Below the old snow surface, a very strong and well-settled snowpack exists. Currently, we are not tracking any weaklayers deeper in the snowpack. 

The recent warm and often sunny weather took a toll on the snow. Sun and wind-exposed ridges melted back exposing dirt and rocks in many areas. Glide cracks opened in the snow along steeper slopes. Now, these obsticles may hide under a shallow layer of new snow. Even though it’s January, “early season” hazards exist.