Avalanche forecast

Olympics

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Known glide cracks are open, large, and could fail without notice, so avoid traveling on or below these features. A firm crusts a few inches below the surface will limit most avalanche activity to very shallow Wet Loose or Wind Slabs at the very highest elevation. Steer around steep slopes where you find more than 6" of sticky or wind-loaded snow above the crust. 

Avalanche problems

  • Glide Cracks

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

    Most of the known glide avalanche locations have visible glide cracks, indicating free water running at the base of the snowpack. Avoid travel on or near similar convex rollovers in the terrain or open cracks, which could fail without warning and would be large and potentially deadly. The likelihood of failure is quite low and their existence is only on isolated terrain features, but the consequences are high if you find yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time.

    We expect that it will be difficult to trigger a Wet Loose avalanche large enough to pose a major hazard. Rain should fall on recently dry snow Thursday night, up to 6500 ft or higher. If you find sticky or wet snow 6" deep above a crust, you can trigger a small Wet Loose avalanche that may move quickly on the crust. Use a pole or probe to evaluate your hazard as you travel. If you travel above Thursday night's rain/snow line, you may encounter. 

Avalanche Discussion

Hurricane Ridge picked up 3.5" of water equivalent during a significant atmospheric river event. The cycle started as snow at Hurricane Ridge, changed to rain, back to snow, and back to rain again before temperatures plummetted late Tuesday night.  Early in the storm cycle Hurricane Ridge added 12" to their snowpack from Monday up until the early morning hours on Tuesday and then lost 13" to snowpack consolidation by 6 PM on Wednesday. 1.5-2" of low-density dry snow early Wednesday tops off the event.

Professionals on Hurricane Ridge Thursday found at least 6.5 ft of snowpack on all aspects except southerly. S aspects have lots of scouring on the surface with a stout crust down 6-8".

North aspects have 1.5-2" low-density snow on top of a weak 0.8" crust. Under the crust is another 4-5" of snow above a 10 cm thick undulating crust. There is a low chance of propagation on either crust interface.

The upper crust softened on southerly slopes on Thursday, yielding decent riding conditions. Keep in mind that the snowpack looks and feels very different than it did one week ago. Non-avalanche hazards are a real concern:

  • Firm and icy slopes have been reported in other forecast zones. Make sure you can self-arrest on the slopes you travel and consider bringing tools if you travel on steeper slopes.
  • Creeks may be blown out, difficult to cross, and have high and fast-moving running water.
  • Trailheads may be difficult to access due to downed trees, debris, and potentially flooding.
  • Meltwater rills are present throughout the terrain and represent the channeling of water as it drained the snowpack.

2020-21 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.   

During the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, continue to follow the latest guidance from local, state, and federal health officials. Avoid unnecessary risks that could impact first responders and stress medical resources.  Wear a mask when appropriate, practice social distancing, and consider recreating closer to home.

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