Olympics

Firm crusts on most aspects continue to create a slide for life potential. Significant amounts of frozen slide debris and blown-out creeks add to the challenging travel. Plan routes with slope angles and distances that are well within your ability.

Travel conditions may be very difficult on Tuesday. Melt-freeze cycles and a stout rain crust on or near the surface have produced surface crusts of variable thickness.  Temperatures at the snow surface should be cold enough to refreeze these crusts Monday night. Despite the anticipated 7000-7500 ft freezing levels Tuesday, some clouds and a low sun angle may prevent the softening of steep south-facing slopes. Travel hazards are a very real concern:

• If you find firm and icy surfaces, make sure you can self-arrest before crossing steep slopes.
• Old avalanche debris may make for difficult travel.
• Glide cracks are open on known glide slopes.
• Creeks may be blown out and difficult to cross.

If the sun does make a significant showing on Tuesday and snow surfaces soften, you may be able to trigger a small Wet Loose avalanche on SW-S-SE aspects. Reduce your slope angle and seek shaded slopes if you find the crust breaking down.

Hurricane Ridge has seen mostly dry weather for the last 5 days. From January 11th to 13th a major storm delivered heavy snow and rain to the Olympics. Hurricane Ridge picked up 3.5" of water equivalent during the event mainly in the form of rain. While a modest amount of avalanche activity was reported in the Hurricane Ridge area following the event, large wet snow avalanches were reported by the public at Marmot Pass, Mt Ellinor and Mt Townsend over the past 5 days. The system ended with a sharp cool-down, but only a few inches of snow. 

The snowpack is strong and without significant layers of concern. Despite last week's rain, the snowpack is above average for this time of year. 

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.