Olympics

A dusting of new snow may not help travel conditions all that much on Tuesday.  Take care to navigate steep and potentially icy slopes and be aware of increasing travel hazards due to the recent snowmelt. 

No recent avalanches have been reported over the last few days.  A stout and supportable surface crust can be found on most aspects.  Early in the holiday weekend and on sunnier slopes, the surface crust had been softening during the afternoon hours.  That's not likely on Tuesday following a weak weather system, lingering clouds and cooler temperatures.   The weather system arriving Monday afternoon through Tuesday could refresh the snow surface at mid and upper elevations with an inch or two of snow.  If not, be prepared to navigate a stout crust that may still be icy on some slopes.  The snowpack should be able to handle light rain at lower elevations without a new concern for wet snow avalanches.

Observers noted a big change in the snowpack versus late December as the recent warm and wet weather this month has taken a bite out of the snowpack. Below the snow surface, alternating layers of firm crusts, weak wet snow, and strong rounded grains exist. At the moment we aren’t tracking any layers of concern in the upper snowpack.  

2021-22 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.