Olympics

If you're traveling in an area that received a few inches of new snow,  it won't take much sunshine and daytime warming for small wet loose avalanches to occur on very steep slopes or below cliff bands.   In areas without much new snow, you'll likely find firm travel conditions.   

Showers were peppering parts of the Olympic range Wednesday afternoon, with a dusting to a few inches of snow possible by Thursday morning.  We've entered a cooler regime and previously wet or moist snow surfaces should refreeze and make for firmer surface conditions.  The one avalanche problem you might encounter on Thursday would be wet loose avalanches involving recent snow.  In areas where more than a few inches of snow accumulated, it won't take the spring sun long before the new dry snow begins to change.  If you see pinwheels or rollerballs, small wet loose avalanches may not be far behind.  In this scenario, use caution on or below very steep slopes where even a small wet loose avalanche could push you over cliffs or other terrain traps. 

This cool down follows an extended mild stretch from 3/21 through 3/29.  During the mild weather of last weekend, NPS rangers noted minimal wet loose avalanche activity in the immediate Hurricane Ridge area, but observed more recent widespread wet loose avalanche activity over in the Bailey Range. 

Below any new snow, you'll find a snowpack in transition from winter to spring in most elevations and aspects with colder drier snow transitioning to larger melt-freeze grains. If you travel to higher shadier aspects, take some time to dig down and examine the upper snowpack structure.  You may still find a layered winter snowpack exists in some areas. 

Be prepared to navigate spring-related travel hazards like open creeks, rocks and trees.

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.