Olympics

Low danger is not no danger. The Olympics picked up just enough snow that you could trigger a small wind slab at upper elevations in the lee of ridgelines. Near and below treeline, expect isolated roller-ball and loose wet avalanche activity. Remember that shallowly submerged terrain raises the stakes of getting caught in any avalanche.

Hurricane ridge picked up 0.67" of storm snow water equivalent from mid-day Tuesday into Wednesday, which arrived with light winds, and settled to around 5" as of Thursday morning.  The total snow at Hurricane Ridge is around 31.5".  Below the recent snow, you should find several inches of consolidating snow from Monday, likely sitting above an 11/21 sun crust. Besides the thin crust, ONP rangers reported a relatively unconsolidated snowpack without much distinct layering as of Sunday (11/22).

The recent storm snow likely bonded well to pre-existing snow surfaces as it came in warm initially, and fell on a cooling trend that gave it a favorable snow profile. However, in upper-elevation wind-prone lee locations, enough snow may have been transported to create a slab greater than 6" that you can still trigger in isolated, steep terrain features near ridgelines on Friday.  When in doubt use ridgelines to travel safely, and avoid entering slopes below recently formed cornices or snow surfaces that look like pillow-shaped lenses.

We're expecting a warm day on Friday with freezing levels exceeding 7000 ft. Expect a mix of clouds and sun in the morning with increasing clouds late in the day, when winds will pick up into the moderate range.

Pay attention to the potential for loose wet avalanches where direct sunshine and warm temperatures destabilize dry snow surfaces to form roller-ball activity and small loose wet avalanches. Don't underestimate these avalanches. Wet avalanches can be slow-moving, but powerful, moving you into terrain traps, shallowly buried obstacles, or over cliffs.

Early season conditions exist:

1. We have minimal snowpack information. Plan your travel and enter the terrain with an assessment mindset, evaluating the snow as you travel.
2. Travel will be more hazardous and terrain features look different than you expect. Avalanches, including small ones, will be more dangerous, potentially raking you through shallowly buried obstacles. Rivers and creeks are likely still open. Trail-breaking may be challenging given the lack of consolidated snow.

Forecast Schedule: For the 2019-20 winter season, avalanche danger ratings will be issued for the Olympics every Friday through Sunday and during mid-week holidays. During the week, No Rating will be issued but forecasts will include expected conditions and relevant travel advice.  

Now is a great time to run through your safety equipment and make sure everything is in good working order. CLICK HERE for more information on early-season equipment checks. What did you see out in the field? SHARE YOUR OBSERVATIONS with NWAC and the backcountry community. Check out this BLOG POST and VIDEO TUTORIAL to find out more about why observations are so important and how you can view and share information on NWAC’s new public observations platform.

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.