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

Additional snowfall and persistent winds will continue to transport snow along ridgelines through Sunday.  Blowing snow will point you away from lee slopes at upper elevations where you'll encounter deeper drifts and potentially larger avalanches.  Be prepared to navigate early-season low snow hazards at lower elevations. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    The snow line should continue to drift lower Saturday night and Sunday, with several more inches of snow on the way.   Moderate to strong ridgeline winds will easily move this new snow around, creating fresh winds slabs on lee slopes.  Check the bond on the new snow to the old snow surface by using small test slopes, watching for shooting cracks in the new snow.  

    As you travel higher in elevation, it may become easier to trigger an avalanche in wind-drifted snow.  Take the time to observe changes throughout the day and in different terrain.  Steer around freshly drifted pillows that form near and below ridgelines on lee slopes.  Avoid rocky, exposed terrain that's actively being loaded, like chutes and gullies, instead choosing lower-angle or more sheltered terrain.  

    Fresh drifting and blowing snow at Victoria's overlook on Saturday. 

    Expect to see deeper drifts and more wind-transported snow on Sunday as snow levels tick lower. 

    Photo: NPS - Sam Luthy

Avalanche Discussion

On Saturday, the snow line was slightly lower than forecast, with mid-elevations in the rain/snow boundary as temperatures bounced around the freezing mark.  NPS rangers noted fresh drifting and blowing snow along ridgelines that was unreactive on small test slopes.  The new snow was bonding well to the underlying wet snow that was still "punchy" at middle elevations.  

Thursday and Friday were mild, with temperatures generally near or above freezing at Hurricane Ridge, a continuation of mild weather that started in late December.  On Thursday, NPS rangers found southerly aspects with a 1 cm thick crust (this crust likely broke down on Friday as temperatures climbed above freezing).  On northerly aspects, they encountered denser soft snow.  Of note, they found 2-3 cm of near-surface facets on low-angle or flat slopes near the top of Hurricane Hill and patches of 3 mm feathery surface hoar in open areas on the ridgeline out to Hurricane Hill.   We'll have to see if any weak snow survives the weekend's forecast of mild, wet, and windy conditions.  You're likely to find the 12/24 crust within the upper foot of the snowpack, likely averaging 6-8 inches down on a shaded aspect.

Glide cracks have opened in some parts of the Cascades.  If you're in areas where you see glide cracks, make sure you don't linger underneath them.  Glide avalanches can occur randomly during mild, wet periods.

Snowfall before the warm-up drastically improved travel across the range.  That said, snow depths remain below normal, and early-season hazards are widespread (open creeks, downed trees, rocks, etc.), especially on windward slopes and at lower elevations.  Use caution when navigating the early-season snowpack. 

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