Olympics

Feel the snow surface to help determine if you are dealing with wet or dry avalanche problems on Thursday. Avalanches will be more likely on steep slopes over 35 degrees or near rocky terrain such as cliffs and gullies, regardless of the avalanche problem.

Sunny skies and rising freezing levels should grace most of the Olympics on Thursday, as we transition toward a more benign weather pattern. Over the past several days, the Olympics received multiple feet of snow, the bulk of which fell over the weekend. Look for storm instabilities created by this new snow to start to taper and be replaced by instabilities created by the sun’s influence on Thursday. 

March is often a transition month from a cold winter snowpack toward a more springlike snowpack, and we often refer to the battle between cold temperatures and the sun’s input. On Thursday, you will know that the sun is winning and destabilizing the snow surface if you find that it is getting wet and sticky, or see precursors to wet avalanche activity such as rollerballs and pinwheels. If you notice these signs, head for slopes that don’t see direct sunshine, keeping aware of the terrain above you. Warm temperatures often help to facilitate the snow shedding from trees, cliffs, or rocks, and cornices falling. If the cool temperatures are able to win the battle, the sun does not come out as expected, or you are on slopes that don’t see direct sunshine, the snow surface may remain cold and dry. In this scenario, you may still be dealing with some lingering storm instabilities where you will be most likely to trigger an avalanche on slopes over 35 degrees, in wind-loaded terrain, or near rocky features such as cliffs and gullies. When in doubt, keep your terrain choices simple as you gather more information about what kind of avalanche problem you may be dealing with in your particular area.

Make sure to check out the Conditions blog for more info about the very large avalanches that have released throughout the central and southern Cascades over the past two weeks on the Mid-January Crust.  This layer was active in the Olympics in early February, but we haven't heard from it in multiple weeks.

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.