Olympics

Generally safe avalanche conditions are expected Sunday.  Give cornices space while traveling along ridgelines and keep an eye out for isolated areas of wind slab that may linger in higher terrain and on polar aspects.  Be mindful of early season hazards that would amplify the consquences of a small avalanche or even a slip and fall.  

Freezing levels will be on the rise Saturday night and Sunday, but a lack of recent snow and a forecast for increasing cloud cover during the day along with rising winds should mitigate the loose wet avalanche hazard. If you push into higher terrain,  consider if isolated pockets of wind slab may be found by poking around on polar aspects and on steep unsupported slopes.  Cornices are generally small compared to what they can be for this area but give them some space while traveling along ridgelines. 

Only a inch or two of snow fell Friday night on top of a re-freezing and breakable surface crust. The snowpack is generally well bonded with a series of crusts visible in the mid and lower snowpack that date back to warmer November storms.  No new avalanche activity was reported by ONP staff on Saturday.   

Early season conditions exist, particularly in the trees. Avalanches, including small ones, will be more dangerous, potentially raking you through shallowly buried obstacles. Rivers and creeks are likely still open. 

Forecast Schedule: For the 2020-21 winter season, avalanche danger ratings will be issued for the Olympics every Friday through Sunday and during mid-week holidays. During the week with the Hurricane Ridge road closed, forecast information will be updated daily to include expected conditions and relevant travel advice under the No Rating label.  

Now is a great time to run through your safety equipment and make sure everything is in good working order. CLICK HERE for more information on early-season equipment checks. What did you see out in the field? SHARE YOUR OBSERVATIONS with NWAC and the backcountry community. Check out this BLOG POST and VIDEO TUTORIAL to find out more about why observations are so important and how you can view and share information on NWAC’s new public observations platform.

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.