Avalanche forecast

Olympics

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

While a refreezing crust limits your potential avalanche danger down low, the snowpack may change dramatically above around 5500 ft. At these elevations, thick slabs remain and any wind loading creates the potential for human triggered avalanches. When in doubt, stick to lower-angle terrain and steer around any upper elevation slopes with signs of wind loading.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Wind slabs formed during heavy snowfall with some wind loading Wednesday and Thursday nights. These slabs will not be capped by any crusts above approximately 5500 ft. At these elevations, new snow and wind loading overlies lower-density snow layers from late December / early January. Slabs may be hiding under 5-6" of snow that has drifted more deeply on lee aspects. Approach upper elevation terrain with an assessment mindset.  You can travel safely on ridges. Avoid lee slopes steeper than 35 degrees until we have more confidence that these slabs have healed.

    (1/5/2022)

    Continue to use recent cornices on the slopes above to identify and avoid potentially wind-loaded slopes.

    Photo: Dallas Glass

Avalanche Discussion

Hurricane Ridge picked up 31" of snow since last Sunday. There have been multiple rounds of snowfall since 1/2. A pronounced warm-up Thursday night created a moist snow layer 3-4" thick. You may find 4-5" of snow sitting on that refreezing moist layer on Saturday. Windloaded aspects may have closer to 12" of dry snow on the crust, while W and S aspects may be scoured to the crust.

Although a lot of snow has hit the slopes of Hurricane Ridge the last few days, the scarcity of large slab activity gives us some confidence that the overall snowpack structure is fairly strong. Growing cornices also fell during the storm and reported movement on the slope below was minimal.  Rangers dug snow pits and identified several crust layers on southerly aspects that were not present on northerly aspects. These crusts are not believed to be a concern at this time.

A handful of wet loose (size small to large) avalanches in south and east-facing gullies ran during the course of the storm cycle including Goat Creek on Friday. Colder temperatures should prevent further wet loose activity on Saturday.

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.

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