Olympics

A little new snow at upper elevations on Saturday won't change the overall picture of Low Danger and generally safe avalanche conditions. Come prepared to navigate variable snow cover and surface conditions dependent on elevation and aspect. 

A weak front will bring some wind and perhaps an inch or more of snow to upper elevations (and rain at lower and mid-elevations) during the day on Saturday.  Observers were out in the Hurricane Ridge area on Friday, traveling on foot on southerly aspects so they could access northerly aspects where there was enough snow coverage to link turns.  Thanks to the sustained mild temperatures, they found enjoyable and spring-like conditions at the end of December.  In Khlahhane Bowl on northerly aspects,  roughly 1.5' of snow sits over the latest crust.  There was plenty of evidence of recent rollerballs and point releases from the recent warm and occasionally rainy weather.  No new avalanches or layers of concern were observed.  

With a bit more rain in the forecast, you may encounter wet, heavy snow or see rollerballs on Saturday.  Wet loose avalanches are unlikely but keep your eyes peeled and shift to lower angle slopes if you begin to see rollerballs that entrain snow and produce tear-drop-shaped piles of debris.  Also observe if new snow begins to drift heavily along ridgelines.  If the new snow is heavier, or snow levels lower faster than expected, shallow new wind slabs could form near and below lee ridgelines. 

Taking any type of ride, be it a small avalanche or a slip and fall on an icy slope could be rough given the number of objects poking through the snow.  Take it slow and make sure you have the right tools to travel safely during a snow season that's well below-normal for this time of year. 

NWAC may issue a gray "No Rating" for an elevation band when there is not enough snow to present an avalanche hazard.