Olympics

Early winter-time has not been kind to the snowpack in the Olympics. Come equipped to navigate variable snow cover and exposed dirt, stumps, rocks and open creeks. With high freezing levels forecast over the weekend, you may see rollerballs or even a few small wet loose avalanches shed from steep cliffy areas.  Avoid spending time below these features. 

Generally safe avalanche conditions are expected to persistent in this pattern.  High freezing levels, mild temperatures and afternoon sunshine raise the risk of isolated small wet loose avalanches shedding from steep rocky faces and cliffy areas.  Avoid hanging out below these features during our extended mid-December mild stretch.  For snow-covered terrain, you may encounter a variety of snow surfaces including wet punchy snow, crusts of variable thicknesses, or even icy surfaces.  Be prepared for whatever you find and make sure you have the proper tools to travel safely. 

Well, things are not looking particularly wintery at Hurricane Ridge following 2 atmospheric river events that featured more rain than snow.  The last event ended Dec 10th and since then it has been mild and occasionally windy, putting more of a dent in the local snowpack.  A weak front on Wednesday night brought less than an inch of new snow at 5000' that melted off by the afternoon.  NRCS Snotels around 4000' show only a few inches of snow.  Continuous travel on snow at lower elevations is limited to the upper portion of the elevation band (above 4000').  At all elevations, snow cover is terrain and aspect-dependent.  Shadier northerly aspects at middle and upper elevations will offer the best coverage. 

If you're out in the backcountry, share your observations with us and your local community.