Avalanche forecast

Olympics

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

If you travel onto rocky, cliffy, or confined slopes, keep your eyes open for wind stiffened or textured snow surfaces. Steer around these wind deposited features in terrain where even a small avalanche hurt you.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Windy conditions and a few inches of snow could combine to form shallow wind slabs on the lee sides of ridgelines and exposed features. While these new slabs shouldn’t be very deep, don’t let them catch you off guard especially if your traveling above a terrain trap. Look for fresh cornices and smooth pillow-like drifts to identify where these small avalanches could occur. Steer around suspected wind-loaded features and be leery of confined terrain where you may not be able to easily avoid the avalanche hazard.

    (1/9/2021) Example: Textured snow surfaces and blowing snow are great clues that wind slabs may exist on the slope below. Crystal Mountain.

Avalanche Discussion

You could find a few inches of new snow in the Olympics by Sunday morning. This should combine with the snow from Friday to provide mostly soft travel conditions. Moderate to strong winds may easily strip the snow from exposed ridgelines. 

NPS rangers and NWAC staff reported generally stable conditions in none wind-affected areas Thursday. With the relatively benign recent weather, we don’t anticipate this changed. On lee slopes above 5500,’ you may find the snow 7-8’ (220-250cm) deep. While several layers still exist in the upper and mid snowpack, we don’t suspect avalanches failing or propagating on any of these old weaknesses. Avalanche activity should stay within the recent snow since Thursday. 

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.

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