Avalanche forecast

Olympics

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Slab or dry loose hazard may exist on steep or wind-loaded slopes above treeline. Near and below treeline, extreme terrain features are where you are most likely to get knocked off your feet by a very small avalanche. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Observers on Friday saw limited potential for harmful avalanches near treeline, but poor visibility has limited information from above treeline terrain. Winds may have picked up into the moderate range before the snow started falling Thursday night, potentially forming shallow slabs above treeline. You might find 2-3" of less wind-affected snow covering any shallow slabs. Use your pole to check for firm or punchy layers in the top 6" of the snow. Any slabs forming over a sun crust on SW-S-SE aspects may run a bit farther than you expect. Steer around wind-loaded slopes 35 degrees and steeper in above treeline terrain and prepare for dry loose avalanches to move with you on slopes approaching or exceeding 40 degrees.

     

     

     

    Example: Blowing snow can tell you a lot about which slopes are loading up. 

    Photo: Andy Harrington

Avalanche Discussion

The recent 2-3" of snow is bonding well on shaded aspects, but remains mildly propagating (see photo gallery) where it lies over a sun crust on SW-S-SE aspects. Isolated 6" pockets of slab were found in the immediate lee of ridgelines below fresh cornices. Near and below treeline any avalanches occuring on the 3/10 interface will be very shallow and very small. If you do see more signs of wind-affected snow near treeline by Saturday, assume there has been more wind than forecast and that reactive slabs could extend into near treeline terrain. We don't have current layers of concern deeper in the snowpack. Remain vigilant and reduce exposure to corniced ridgelines such as the one pictured. Snow coverage is currently excellent with forests now well filled in above 4500 ft.

 

Regions covered