Avalanche forecast

Olympics

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

Snow sitting above a crust may destabilize under strong sunshine and very warm temperatures. Steer around steep aspects where you find 6" or more of slushy snow above a crust. Keep the threat of rockfall on your radar as the snow melts on steep slopes above you.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    Warmer temperatures may move the wet loose avalanche problem onto some aspects on the northern half of the compass. These aspects harbor 4-6" of dry snow and the potential for slightly larger avalanches, while southerly aspects have 2-3" of snow on the crust and have already gone through several days of melt-freeze cycle. Use your pole to track the depth of this snow on the crust. Expect that even shallow wet loose avalanches can run long distances on the crust. Pay attention if you traverse under sun-exposed steep slopes where melting could initiate rockfall or wet loose avalanches. If you see active avalanches, rollerball activity, or more than 6" of snow atop the 01/30 crust, seek cooler shaded aspects or lower angle slopes.  Below treeline, recent rain likely limited the potential for wet loose avalanches while due north aspects should stay cold.

    (2/3/2022)

    The sun popped out, temperatures warmed above freezing and 4-6" of recent snow ran in the form of wet loose avalanches on Thursday, sometimes for long distances. 

    Photo: Sam Luthy

Avalanche Discussion

Saturday started with breakable crusts on most aspects and widespread surface hoar. The sun softened southerly aspects to generate 2-3" of slush above the 1/30 crust, but clouds kept wet loose avalanches at bay. On Friday, Hurricane Ridge picked up minimal new snow but moderate winds blew ample snow near ridgelines on Friday may have added to stubborn wind slabs that may linger on upper elevation northerly slopes. Given a lack of recent observations on upper elevation lee slopes, you will need to use your powers of observation to identify recent wind lips, textured or pillow-shaped lenses, or punchy snow layers that could indicate a wind slab problem remains in your terrain. If you encounter such snow conditions, choose lower-angle slopes in more wind-sheltered areas.  

On Thursday, observers found about 4-6" of snow (Sun/Mon) sitting above the firm late January crust in the Hurricane Ridge area.  As temperatures warmed briefly above freezing on Thursday  afternoon with mostly cloudy skies and occasional spits of light rain or snow,  snow surfaces became wet or moist and several small wet loose avalanches ran surprisingly long distances above the crust.  Wet loose avalanches were noted on northerly aspects releasing from steep cliffs and were also skier triggered on steeper southerly slopes.  Below the late January crust a strong and well-settled snowpack exists. 

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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