Olympics

Spring-like weather and sunshine this week have created a generally stable snowpack. Cooler temperatures may maintain firm crusts longer into the day, but conditions can change quickly. Wet, sticky, or punchy snow remind you that the danger is increasing and to seek shaded aspects and lower angled terrain.

NWAC professionals were in the Klahanie Ridge area on Thursday. They reported 8" of dry snow on N aspects sitting above a 1/2 inch crust. They found small facets just below the crust, but no tendency to propagate in snowpack tests. Other aspects had surface crusts up to 4" and breakable crust in the transition zone. Old wind slabs on N aspects were unreactive.

Steep S aspects held evidence for minimal wet loose activity from Wednesday when temperatures climbed to 50F and the observers didn't find fresh wet loose activity by the time they exited the field on Thursday. Temperatures reached 45F with light SW winds on Thursday. 

We're forecasting cooler temperatures with highs in the 30s on Friday. The day might start with firm crusts on E-S-W aspects which could make a fall hazardous. Solar radiation should warm snow surfaces and soften crusts, but we don't expect them to break down. If crusts do break down and the snow surface becoming mushy and wet, you will start sinking through the previously supportable crust. These are the conditions for loose wet avalanches.  While loose wet avalanches are often predictable, they can get you into trouble on long continuous slopes where they can grow larger and above terrain traps such as cliffs and creeks. 

Large cornices formed along many ridgelines during this winter’s stormy weather. They are drooping and threatening to fall down after a week of sunshine and mild temperatures. Choose routes that limit the amount of time you need to spend near or under these looming waves of snow. They are dangerous on their own, but there is a chance they could trigger slab avalanches on the slopes below. 

Spring Forecast Schedule:  NWAC will issue a danger rating every day for the Olympics beginning Friday, April 2nd  - Sunday, April 18th. 

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.