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

Several inches of new snow and moderate winds may form shallow wind slabs below ridgelines Sunday.  Use caution on steep slopes with freshly drifted snow at upper elevations.  Don't let a small avalanche rake you through recently exposed rocks, stumps or other travel hazards. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    If there's enough snow and wind Saturday night and Sunday,  you may find shallow wind slabs at upper elevations.  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 Friday,  surveying the variable conditions and a changed, springlike landscape following several weeks of little snow and above normal temperatures. The snowpack is strong and there are no deeper layers of concern.

Snowfall did not start to accumulate at Hurricane Ridge until after 4 pm Saturday, but that will change Saturday night as temperatures drop and showers continue. Take your time to navigate bare patches, open creek, and recently exposed rocks and tree stumps. 

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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