Olympics

Monitor changing conditions throughout the day as wind forms small slabs in the alpine and rain weakens surface snow on shady mid-elevation slopes. Continue to use an abundance of caution around and below cornices.

Thursday brings a change in weather with a couple inches of new snow expected in the upper elevations and mixed rain/snow below 5000 ft. 

You are likely to find firm surfaces and difficult travel on reforzen solar aspects and sticky conditions on shady slopes that are getting rained on.  In addition, this small storm will probably make the (already large) cornices a little bit bigger. Continue to give these features a wide berth along ridgelines and within their run-out zones. 

Tonight's clear skies will refreeze the snow on sunny slopes. As a result, the most likely place to find a wet loose avalanche will be on shady, near treeline terrain where rain is weakening a snowpack not yet affected by spring sunshine. 

Increasing winds Thursday afternoon will re-distribute new snow and any older upper elevation snow that is still available for transport. Expect easily triggered slabs along lee ridgelines.  Although resulting avalanches will be small, they will be big enough to knock you down. Be cautious in complicated, or consequential terrain and continue to give cornices a wide berth. 

Scattered glide cracks are opening due to the warmer weather and snow settlement. Rain Thursday could speed the process up. A very large glide avalanche late last week along the Cascade River Road (see photo below) is a reminder that these features may be dangerous. It's always best to avoid slopes with active cracks and don’t hang out in the areas below! 

2020-21 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.

During the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, continue to follow the latest guidance from local, state, and federal health officials. Avoid unnecessary risks that could impact first responders and stress medical resources.  Wear a mask when appropriate, practice social distancing, and consider recreating closer to home.