Olympics

The mountains changed dramatically over the past week as snow rapidly accumulated across the Olympics. Even as the danger slowly decrease, continue to identify and avoid areas where the wind drifted snow into thicker and slightly stiffer slabs,

The snow just keeps coming in the Olympics as additional rounds of precipitation pass over the area. Storms on Monday and Tuesday may favor locations along the southern and western portions of the ranger, where snowfall totals could exceed what the weather station at Hurricane RIdge reports. Unstable storm snow from the weekend should be gaining strength and present less of a hazard. Turn your attention to the new snow and where the wind drifts it deeper. These areas likely hold the greatest potential for you to trigger an avalanche. Look for signs of wind drifted snow like sharp cornices, drifts behind trees, and snow blowing along ridgelines to point out these wind-loaded pockets. 

Hurricane Ridge received an impressive 3ft plus of snow this weekend, rapidly transforming the landscape into winter and building the snowpack. While this new snow was reportedly “right-side-up” by NPS rangers and an NWAC observer, storm interfaces were still observable within snow profiles and, more importantly, resulted in at least one natural avalanche triggered by a cornice fall along Sunrise Ridge. Even though the snowpack is comprised largely of storm snow, a thin crust (12/8) may exist on some slopes, particularly on northerly aspects near treeline. This layer often exists a few inches above the ice block found at the base of the snowpack. If you dig down to this layer, see if your snowpack tests fail or slide easily on weaker snow around this crust. 

Even with all the new snow and a few key observations, very little is currently known about the early season snowpack. A lack of information and typically variable early season conditions should give you pause if you plan to head into more remote areas. Consider choosing smaller low consequence slopes to gain information before traveling in larger and less predictable terrain. 

Preliminary Report: On Saturday morning, December 11, a party of six backcountry tourers were traveling uphill in a closed section of the Crystal Mountain Ski Area known as Silver Basin. The party triggered a large avalanche on an NE to E facing slope at approximately 6600’. While all members of the party were initially caught, four were fully buried. A nearby party of two witnessed the event and immediately assisted in the rescue. Crystal Mountain Ski Patrol was also notified and responded to the scene. Unfortunately, one of the fully buried victims did not survive. NWAC and Crystal Mountain Ski Patrol will collaborate to conduct an investigation. Our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and community.  SS-ASu-R3-D2.5-U; Crown Depth: estimated 2’ deep.

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.