Olympics

Cooling temperatures should help the wet snowpack freeze and limit any avalanche hazard Wednesday. Allow yourself additional time to manage challenging travel conditions as you navigate around early season obstacles.

The Olympics received quite a bit of rain on Tuesday as the warm front stalled out over the Pennisula. With high freezing levels, we expect, rain likely soaked the upper snowpack well into the alpine. As temperatures finally cool and a dusting of snow falls, the snowpack will slowly freeze. This should cause any avalanche hazard to decrease throughout the day. This process takes time and wet avalanches can occur even after the temperature drops below freezing. Chunks of the snowpack could continue to shed from steep rocky faces as water percolates to the ground and weakens the base of the snow. Consider travel routes and techniques that reduce your exposure to steep rocky overhead terrain. 

If you venture into alpine areas, you could find small isolated pockets where the wind drifted the dusting of snow into shallow slabs. While these avalanches should be small and relatively harmless, don’t let them knock you off your feet or push you into a terrain trap. 

As the snowpack freezes the greatest risk you face could be difficult travel conditions. Recent warm, windy, and wet weather took a toll on the snowpack allowing many obstacles to reemerge. Anticipate exposed rocks, downed trees, and open creeks. A thin dusting of snow over a freezing snow surface will only add to the challenge of your day. Give yourself plenty of time to deal with these demanding conditions. 

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.