Avalanche forecast

Olympics

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Expect dangerous avalanche conditions in wind-loaded terrain Sunday.  Avoid steep open slopes below ridgelines where you are likely to trigger a wind slab avalanche.  The avalanche danger will increase further Sunday night into Monday with an even stronger storm headed our way.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Sunday is not the day to jump off ridgelines onto open steep slopes.  Wind slabs may have formed further below ridgelines than usual due to the strong winds.  You can stick to wind scoured or lower angle slopes to avoid triggering a wind slab avalanche. Watch for signs of instability like cracking in firmer wind pressed snow and evidence of recent avalanches.  Keep in mind that barely submerged obstacles are still lurking below the snow surface and even a small avalanche could rake you through rocks or other freshly buried obstacles. 

    Expect to find firmer wind-pressed snow below ridgelines Sunday.  It's here you can trigger a wind slab avalanche on slopes steeper than 35 degrees. 

Avalanche Discussion

Winds cranked on Saturday at Hurricane Ridge and drifted old and new snow along ridgelines and scoured windward southerly slopes.  Precipitation will increase Saturday night to accompany the strong winds.  While the new snow and wind will increase the avalanche danger near and above treeline, the below treeline band likely needs more than one storm for avalanche conditions to track in a similar fashion to higher elevations.  The storm track favors the SW portion of the Olympic range over the next few days.  If you're traveling to different parts of the range, expect to encounter different avalanche conditions. 

Earlier in the week, several inches of dry and fluffy snow had accumulated at Hurricane Ridge during periods of light to moderate northerly winds.  NPS Rangers observed that winds had drifted the recent snow into soft and shallow slabs.  No new or recent avalanches have been reported. 

Even with some recent snow, travel hazards are still present due to the below normal snowpack.  Unusually dry and warm conditions in January and the first half of February exposed bare ground on many W and S aspects. Photos from these outings remain in the media gallery to remind you of the landscape prior to the snowfall and how the new snow may just be enough to mask shallowly submerging rocks or stumps - or magnify the risk of a small avalanche. Also take your time navigating shallow snowpack areas or open creeks in the valley bottoms.

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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