Avalanche forecast

Olympics

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

Unstable slabs of wind drifted new snow may be found above treeline. You could trigger a small avalanche in areas where you observe dense slabs, especially where poorly bonded to firm crusts below. Even small avalanches can have high consequences in exposed, alpine terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    With new snow available for transport, any period of stronger wind will build shallow wind slabs on leeward slopes. The highest likelihood is in alpine terrain where there is usually more snow and stronger winds. Be on the lookout for areas of wind loading by paying attention to the snow surface. Is it scoured at ridgeline but smooth below it? Is the snow getting deeper or is the texture changing as you gain elevation on wind loaded aspects? Use test slopes in safe areas or hand shears to gain information about the bonding of wind slab layers you might find. 

    Example of wind slab avalanche. Note barely filled in tracks in adjoining terrain.

    Photo: NWAC Public Obs

Avalanche Discussion

With new snow also comes the possibility of wet loose avalanches or other signs of instability during periods of strong sun, rain, or greenhousing when solar radiation is trapped between the snow surface and low clouds. Telltale signs of future wet loose avalanches are a wet, saturated snow surface, rollerballs, and pinwheels. Consider moving off and away from steep terrain where you observe any of the above. Wet avalanches are unlikely if the snow surface is frozen or partially melted. 

Hurricane Ridge picked up another 3" of snow on Saturday in addition to 3” earlier in the week. These new snow layers sit atop a variety of snow surfaces including sun crust on southerly aspects, old wind slabs, or other wind affected snow surfaces. Despite plenty of skier and rider traffic, no new avalanches in new snow or wind slab layers were reported.

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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