Olympics

Wet surface snow should finally begin to refreeze Wednesday night through Thursday morning.  As the day warms up, use caution on steep slopes if you find yourself sinking into wet punchy snow deeper than your ankle.  Take care while navigating areas with low snow cover. 

Mild temperatures slowly fell during the day on Wednesday along with a period of rain and wind as a front passed through the area.  Previously wet snow at mid and upper elevations will start to refreeze Wednesday night through Thursday morning as cooler air moves into the region.  While we think it's unlikely you'll encounter significant avalanche danger on Thursday, we have high uncertainty without new snowpack observations and following several days of mild weather.  As always, be prepared to make your own assessments and keep an eye out for evidence of recent avalanches that may have occurred earlier in the week. 

As freezing levels rise on Thursday and thin surface crusts break down, put wet loose avalanches on your avalanche problem punch list.  Continue to steer around steep slopes anywhere you find wet punchy snow.  In isolated areas, wet loose avalanches could still become large if they gouge down and entrain deeper wet snow layers.  Heading into this work week, we did not have any layers of concern deeper in the snowpack.   

As we plod along further into spring, be prepared to navigate spring-related travel hazards like open creeks, rocks and trees.   

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.