Olympics

Heavy snow and strong winds will make for dangerous avalanche conditions and challenging travel on Monday. New wind slabs will build in both the typical locations near ridgeline but also at lower elevations where you may not normally see wind transported snow. In addition to human triggered avalanches, rapid loading will likely initiate a natural avalanche cycle. Between avalanche danger and stormy conditions, it will be a good day to simply avoid exposure to avalanche terrain. Stick to lower angle slopes with no overhead hazard.

 

2022 Olympics Early Spring Statement

Avalanche forecasts have ended for the 2021-22 season in the Olympic Mountains. Daily afternoon Mountain Weather Forecasts will continue through Sunday, May 1st. 

Longer days and the potential for more sunshine make the mountains an inviting place in the spring. However, avalanche accidents and fatalities can occur on snow-covered mountains in April. Make sure you have the experience and skills to evaluate avalanche terrain, snowpack conditions, and weather observations to decide when, where, and how to travel in the mountains.

During winter-like storms: 

• Dry snow slab avalanches can occur during and immediately following storms. 
• Use caution on slopes greater than 35 degrees when you find more than 6-8” of new snow and during times of heavy snowfall or wind drifting.
• Cold snow destabilizes rapidly when it warms up. Danger may increase when sunny weather or warmer temperatures follow a storm, and result in natural wet avalanches.
• The size of these avalanches typically increases with the amount of recent snowfall.
• Limit your exposure to areas where avalanches can run and stop during these big swings in the weather. 

During periods of cold clear nights and warm sunny days:

• Avalanche danger is often lowest in the morning.
• Plan your day to travel and return early
• Wet snow avalanches may occur with daytime warming and sunshine.
• If you see recent avalanches or new rollerballs avoid similar slopes. 
• Very large and destructive wet slab avalanches may fail on significant crusts or weak layers.

During periods of mild weather featuring consecutive days with above freezing temperatures and/or poor overnight refreezes:

• Glide cracks can form on steep smooth slopes as water reaches the ground. These slopes can release without warning at any time of the day or night.
• Cornices will sag and can fail during periods of warmer weather. Falling cornices can entrain significant amounts of snow or trigger other avalanches. 

Other springtime hazards: 

• Exposed ground, including dirt, rocks, tree limbs, etc. can become submerged by fresh snowfall, creating typical “early season” travel hazards in April, particularly on southerly aspects and near exposed ridges. Snowpack was only 62% of normal at Hurricane Ridge on April 1st.
• Creeks are opening and snow bridges are weakening.  Injuries or fatalities involving open creek holes or collapsed snow bridges can occur.
• Choose routes that help limit the amount of time you spend on, near, and under any of these springtime hazards. 

Even though avalanche forecasting has ended for the season, NWAC will continue to track snow and weather conditions. Large spring storms and/or widespread avalanche cycles may cause us to issue special avalanche bulletins, avalanche warnings, or other spring statements to keep you informed.

You can help your backcountry community by continuing to submit observations on our public site. 

Have a fun and safe spring playing in the mountains! 

Contact NWAC

You can reach us at the forecast desk daily from 8 AM to 4 PM:

Email: [email protected] 

Phone: 206-526-6165 (Office voicemail)

Mail: Northwest Avalanche Center

           7600 Sandpoint Way NE

           Seattle, Washington 98115