Olympics

Variable and at times challenging travel conditions will continue on Friday while we wait for more snow to arrive.  At upper elevations with older wind-drifted snow over a stout crust, it's still possible to trigger a small wind slab avalanche. 

NWAC and NPS staff traveled around the Hurricane Ridge area Thursday and found a variety of snow surfaces and travel conditions.  Exposed N-NW slopes were firm and at times icy where winds have scoured the surface down to the late January crust.  Make sure you have the tools to self-arrest a fall before crossing a steep and icy slope.  Periods of sunshine and mild temperatures nicely softened many other aspects making for more pleasant uphill and downhill travel.  They could still trigger very thin (2-4") and narrow old wind slabs in isolated areas where the denser snow rested over the stout crust. Above 5000' in lower angle and somewhat sheltered terrain,  observers found snow depths of 4' of snow on S-SE aspects and 6' on NE aspects.  Overall the snowpack is below normal for this time of year and low snow depth travel hazards are back.  Take your time to navigate bare patches, open creeks at lower elevations, and exposed rocks and tree stumps.  

At least the recent weather pattern has led to a very strong and well-settled snowpack.  Observers did note some weak faceted snow next to a thin crust (Valentine's Day crust) near the surface on shady slopes but we don't think this layering will come into play when new snow arrives later this weekend.

We won't remain lost, aimlessly wandering around in a fresh snow desert forever, this is the Pacific Northwest after all and a winter storm is headed our way this weekend. If you're out on Friday, help us and your avalanche forecast by sending us your observation and pictures of the snow surfaces you find. 

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.