Avalanche forecast

Olympics

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

Use caution along higher elevation peaks and ridgelines where you may encounter shallow new wind slabs.  In parts of the range with a thicker snowpack at lower elevations, don't linger below features with blocks of wet snow that can shed without warning.  Know your route - low snow at low elevations and certain aspects will make for challenging travel. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    Expect another round of new snow and strong winds above 5000' on Sunday.   You'll likely encounter wind-drifted snow and shallow new wind slabs below ridgelines and on lee slopes at upper elevations and depending on the rain/snow line, perhaps mid elevations.   Keep an eye out for red flags like shooting cracks, blowing snow and fresh drifts.  Before stepping out into more serious open terrain, use small test slopes to test the bond of the new snow to old snow surface.   

    The recent warm weather has done a number on the snowpack, exposing plenty of obstacles.  Factor in the consquences of taking a ride given the rough early season snowpack.  A smattering of ground obstacles including exposed rocks, stumps, holes, etc, all raise the chances of injury even with a small slide. 

    (12/12/2024)

     In this photo, shooting cracks and small slabs in wind-drifted snow are signs that wind slabs may have formed on nearby lee slopes.  

    Photo: Andy Harrington

Avalanche Discussion

Saturday featured blustery winds and rain transitioning to wet snow during the late morning in the Hurricane Ridge area.  The snow surface was still wet in the afternoon but with  temperatures continuing to fall into the upper 20s Saturday evening,  you're likely to find a supportable crust above 4500-5000' by Sunday morning.  A supportable crust may be short lived at middle elevations as rain pushes back up the mountain Sunday afternoon. 

Wet snow avalanches are unlikely at lower elevations that are draining well after many days of rain and above freezing temperatures.  You still need use caution around terrain traps or extreme terrain features in areas where you find wet manky snow.  Some parts of the range have a healthier snowpack below 4500'.  In these areas,  continue to avoid or limit your time below poorly supported terrain features with overhanging blocks of snow.  If you find evidence of recent natural glide avalanches or multiple cracks in the snowpack (the brown frown), you're in an area where you'll want to put plenty of space between you and the slopes above.   

On Thursday, NPS Rangers reported the impacts of a widespread wet avalanche cycle from earlier in the week. Most of the avalanches that were observed were small, initiating from rollerballs or snow falling off trees, rocks, or cliffs.  The upper snowpack had consolidated and mostly healed following Tuesday's atmospheric river and warming event.  

While the return to winter conditions at mid and especially upper elevations area a welcome sight, come prepared for challenging travel due to early season conditions.  Allow extra time for your route and be prepared for variable snow surfaces, exposed or barely covered obstacles, holes, and creek openings. 

Regions covered