Olympics

Lingering wind-drifts can be triggered on cold, northerly slopes steeper than 35 degrees. Steer around drifts and slopes below cornices wind, while seeking out less wind-affected terrain. Warming temperatures and rollerball activity indicate the potential for shallow wet avalanches in steep terrain.

Winds over the past 5 days have built slabs that you are most likely to trigger on northerly slopes steeper than 35 degrees. The majority of the snow movement occurred when temperatures were colder and winds stronger, more than 48 hours ago.  You are most likely to trigger these slabs below corniced ridgelines and where you identify lense-shaped pillows on the slope. Continue to navigate around wind-loaded slopes steeper than 35 degrees.

Temperatures at Hurricane Ridge made it into the upper 30's on Sunday, likely spawning rollerball activity and shallow wet avalanches on steep slopes. Expect another day of mild temperatures and a recurrence of shallow wet activity. Look for rollerballs or wet and sticky snow as a signal to adjust your aspect to cooler, shaded slopes.

NPS Rangers on Saturday reported a thin breakable surface crust on most slopes which now sits under 1.5-2" of recent snow. The sunny skies likely only made this layer thicker on southerly aspects. Another breakable crust likely formed on the snow surface due to mild temperatures above that recent snow. Crusts should help limit the avalanche hazard at lower elevations and on southerly aspects, however, they may create tricky travel conditions on some slopes. 

While we anticipate any avalanche activity remaining in the recent storm snow, you can still find several layers within the upper snowpack. Two layers are worth mentioning. 

1. The recent atmospheric river crust sits 18-20” below the snow surface. While no avalanches have been reported on this layer, it can serve as an excellent marker to interpret recent storms. 
2. The mid-January facet/crust layer can still be found in many snow profiles 4 feet or more below the snow surface. Keep this layer on your mind if you travel to more remote sections of the zone where we have less information and a higher degree of uncertainty. Recent very large avalanches in other zones can serve as a reminder of how complex and unpredictable deep persistent weak layers can act. 

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.