Avalanche forecast

Olympics

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago.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

Highlights

You can trigger a fresh wind slab on lee slopes below ridgelines.  It's less certain if we'll have enough new snow to warrant storm slab concerns in wind-sheltered terrain and at lower elevations.  Evaluate the bond of the new snow to a variety of old snow surfaces as you change aspect and elevations Friday. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2

    Strong westerly winds will build fresh wind slabs below ridgelines Thursday night and Friday morning. Blowing snow, stiff, firm snow surfaces, and cracks shooting through the snow are all signs that you could trigger a slide.  Avoid open slopes steeper than 35 degrees where you find freshly drifted snow, sticking to lower angle or wind-sheltered terrain.  

    Avoid steep slopes below fresh cornices, these are likely places to trigger a wind slab avalanche.

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Use caution on very steep unsupported slopes where you find 6" or more of new snow Friday.   Use small slope tests to test the bond of the new snow to the old snow surface and gauge the likelihood of triggering a shallow storm slab avalanche. 

    Test slopes can give you a lot of good information about how new snow has set-up after or during a storm. This test slope shows that storm slabs are sensitive and propagating easily.

Avalanche Discussion

Observations from the Hurricane Ridge area on Thursday found new snow blowing easily in moderate to strong ridgeline winds.  Below the shallow new snow, a non-supportable sun crust on steep southerly slopes made for poor travel conditions. Firm older wind-affected snow was widespread on lee slopes near and above treeline.  

New snowpit observations targeting the mid-January facet-crust combination found this interface still intact about 3-4 ft down from the surface. However,  snowpack tests do not suggest propagation is likely down to this layer.  The 2/7 crust about 1+ ft down may be present as well.  While snowpack tests can be a crucial piece of information, it's important to note it has been nearly 2 weeks since the last observed avalanche down to this layer.  Continue to think about avlanches down to dormant persistent weak layers if we receive a major new load on the snowpack (end of the weekend?).  Despite the lack of recent activity, continue to avoid lingering below large open slopes with overhanging cornices. Be mindful of parties above or below you. 

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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