Olympics

On Monday, you should steer around terrain features where you find evidence of the wind’s influence.  Triggering even a small avalanche has the potential to grow larger by stepping down to weaker layers deep in the snowpack. Consider dialing back your terrain selection while you gather information about these deeper weak layers.

As we head toward a relatively quieter weather pattern this week, avalanche hazard shouldn’t change much from Sunday to Monday in the Olympics. Continue to be leery of wind-loaded terrain where you may be more likely to trigger an avalanche. This includes near cornices, which may have grown large during this past week’s stormy weather. On the more uncertain side of things, a persistent weak layer is still lurking close to 3 feet down in the snowpack. The Mid-January crust/facet combo continues to be identified in pit tests and was responsible for multiple avalanches this past week in the Olympics and throughout the Cascades.  We haven't received any reports of confirmed avalanches on this layer in quite some time, so it may be trending towards unlikely. That said, avalanches on persistent weak layers are difficult to predict and are capable of propagating widely and running downhill quickly. Professionals reported two whumpfing collapses on Sunday, which indicate that the snowpack is still unstable on some level. You can dig down to this layer to confirm these weak grains' existence, but cannot use a single hole in the snow to rule them out. When in doubt about conditions, choose more conservative terrain and gather more information. 

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.