Olympics

Your avalanche danger will be greatest at upper elevations where small natural or human-triggered avalanches may release on steep or rocky terrain features. Monitor the recent snow wind drifts 6" or deeper. The sunshine will rapidly change the concern from wind slab to loose wet avalanches, so adjust your aspect away from this energy source.

Wednesday's storm brought 0.37" of water equivalent to Hurricane Ridge. Hurricane Ridge reported surprisingly warm temperatures in the mid-30's, but from webcams, it appears that Hurricane Ridge received several inches of snowfall. At upper elevations, the expected 3-5" of snow should be cold, dry and capable of transport by light to moderate SW winds. Winds decreased as the snowfall ended, so shallow slabs may be buried by less wind-affected snow. The recent snow may have fallen on weaker snow surfaces. Evaluate smaller test slopes for a punchy slab character below the surface and the bond at the new/old snow interface. Wind slabs may knock you off your feet in very steep, rocky terrain or where the terrain rolls over steeply to the lee of ridgelines. 

We forecast partly cloudy skies on Thursday. The recent snow will create a more significant wet snow hazard when the sun comes out. Dry snow sheds off trees, rocks, and cliffs with direct sunshine and daytime warming. The shedding of snow will initiate rollerballs and loose wet avalanches on slopes steeper than 35 degrees. Transition away from slopes receiving direct sunshine and keep an eye on slopes above as the sun may hit them first.

No new avalanches were reported at Hurricane Ridge over the weekend. Observers on Sunday noted loose, dry snow on northerly aspects and variable conditions with a mix of surface crusts on other aspects in the Hurricane Ridge area.  On Saturday, NPS rangers reported whumpfing and shooting cracks on low-angle North aspects near treeline.  The interface was likely the 3/18 pre-storm layer.  About 2 ft of snow accumulated at Hurricane Ridge during a period of S-SW winds Thursday through Sunday that drifted recent storm snow onto W-N-E aspects. In addition to the 3/23 interface, consider assessing the 3/18 layer on a similar test slope before committing to steep terrain. If any weak snow remains beneath last weekend's wind slabs, the stiffened snow above may still produce a stubborn, isolated large avalanche. 

Cornices have grown large in recent week. They have a nasty habbit of breaking further back than travelers expect. Cornices can also fall and trigger a wind slab or wet loose avalanche on the slopes below. Minimize time on the slopes below them.

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.