Avalanche forecast

Olympics

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

After several days of benign weather, conditions will change on Friday as light snow develops and ridgeline winds ramp up.  Steer around steep open slopes, especially below ridgelines, where you see winds depositing new snow.  Be ready for low snow and challenging travel at lower elevations and on some southerly aspects. The southern/eastern slopes of the Olympics may have a higher hazard due to heavier snow on Friday. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    An incoming storm will bring snow and strong winds to the Olympics on Friday.  Shallow new wind slabs will likely develop on lee slopes.  If you're traveling along ridgelines, drop onto lee slopes in lower angle spots, steer around fat pillowy drifts, or choose treed terrain. 

    While wind slabs will be small (and likely easy to find and trigger),  think about the consequences of a small avalanche taking you for a rough ride through trees, branches, rocks, etc.  With an early-season snowpack, there are more than enough obstacles lurking that could turn a small slide into a season-ending injury.  If you're in the southern or eastern part of the range (like Mt Baldy or Mt Ellinor for example), you may find dangerous avalanche conditions at upper elevations due to larger and more sensitive wind slabs.  Avoid traveling on large open lee slopes in these areas. 

    The storm will intensify Friday night.  Make sure you have a safe exit plan if you plan to be out later in the day. 

    (12/9/2022)

    Blowing snow and drifts highlight potentially wind loaded areas. 

    Photo: Sam Luthy Siemens

Avalanche Discussion

It's been a quiet week of weather for the Olympics with mild, clear weather early in the week and cooler, cloudier conditions Wednesday and Thursday.  On Thursday, NPS rangers observed a few small wet loose avalanches from earlier in the week, but otherwise no signs of recent avalanche activity in the Hurricane Ridge area.  The storm snow from last weekend had settled, and although the coverage was good for early December, lower elevations and some southerly aspects have low snow.  Plan your route appropriately!  

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