Avalanche forecast

Olympics

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

This storm will bring more wind than snow to the Hurricane Ridge area during the day.  Use caution near steep slopes below ridgelines with freshly drifted snow.  If traveling to western parts of the range on Saturday, you'll likely encounter higher avalanche danger at upper elevations. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Strong West winds will easily move the 1 or 2 inches of snow that are forecast to fall in the Hurricane Ridge area Saturday.   Winds may be strong enough to cause erratic loading patterns and form shallow slabs further below ridgelines than usual. While these wind slabs will be small, they may be easy to trigger in areas where they bond poorly to the old snow surface.  Use small test slopes to test the bond of the new snow to old surfaces and watch for shooting cracks to help you gauge the problem. Steer around slopes where even a small avalanche could cause injury if you were pushed into rocks, trees, or over cliffs. 

    Shooting cracks like the one in the photo let you know you can trigger a wind slab on similar steep slopes. 

Avalanche Discussion

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.  While new snow should freshen surfaces over the course of the weekend, 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 combination will come into play as new snow falls over the holiday weekend.

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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