Olympics

Even though the Olympics aren’t expecting lots of new snow, if the winds kick up, it could drift snow into shallow slabs that you could trigger. Look for clues like blowing snow and small drifts to help point out which slopes could hold wind-loaded snow that you want to avoid.

While we aren’t expecting much snow at Hurricane Ridge, areas in the southern and western parts of the Olympics could see more significant precipitation and avalanche hazard. Combine this increased danger with a lack of information about the snowpacks in those areas, and you end up with very high uncertainty. If you travel into these more remote locations, stick to simple terrain where you can easily identify and avoid the hazard. As the storm continues, the danger should peak late in the afternoon. 

Several storms left more than 3 ft of new snow at Hurrican Ridge this past week, greatly changing the look and feel of the mountains. Observations from over the weekend indicate that in many areas the snowpack is soft, unconsolidated, and mostly right-side-up. Consequently, any avalanche hazard is likely only to exist in places where the wind can continue to drift the soft snow into slightly firmer slabs. As the wind kicks up and changes directions Wednesday, keep your eyes open for clues that this has occurred or is occurring. Blowing snow, sharp cornices, and textured surfaces can highlight potential wind-loaded slopes. These conditions often exist on or near ridgelines or in more exposed and rocky features. 

Even with all the new snow, the snowpack still has many early-season characteristics. Its highly variable by aspect, elevation, and location and can leave us with more questions than answers. One layer reported in the Olympics that’s worth keeping an eye on is the thin 12/8 crust. You can find this layer a few inches above the strong icy base of the snowpack, mainly on northerly aspects. If you dig to this layer, see if your snowpack tests fail suddenly or slide easily on weak snow around the crust. With the uncertainty around the variable snowpack and this potential weak layer, consider choosing small low consequence slopes to gain information before traveling in larger and less forgiving terrain.

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.