Olympics

You may still trigger a wind slab avalanche on steep lee slopes near and above treeline.  Cornices are large so give them extra space when traveling along ridgelines.  Wet loose avalanches are possible on very steep sunny slopes.  

Recent wind slabs have likely formed further below ridgelines than usual following strong winds Sunday.  Use caution on steep slopes wherever you find wind-stiffened snow.  Rocky terrain near gullies or at the base of cliffs may be the place where you can still trigger a wind slab avalanche. Cornices are large and may be ready to fail.  Give them a wide berth as you travel along ridgelines and be aware of the overhead hazard if traveling on slopes below large cornices. Use recent cornice development to gauge which slopes may harbor wind slabs. 

Spring sun following fresh snowfall equals wet loose avalanche potential.  When the sun comes out,  the potential for wet loose avalanches will rise on very steep sunny slopes.  Wet loose avalanches may release naturally below steep rock faces that catch the sun.  If you see pinwheels or rollerballs,  or find yourself sinking into wet surface snow more than ankle deep,  move to lower angle or shadier terrain. 

Monday began mostly sunny and cold before daytime clouds increased in the afternoon.  In wind-sheltered areas with looser snow, wet loose avalanches were likely confined to very steep south aspects.  On Sunday, weather stations indicated 6-8" of snow had accumulated through Sunday evening in the Hurricane Ridge area with strong S-SW blowing snow throughout much of the day.  Most aspects had formed a melt-freeze crust prior to this storm.  Observers on Thursday noted a mix of dry snow and melt-freeze crusts in the upper 18" of the snowpack.  Small wet loose and older shallow wind slabs were reported in the Mt. Ellinor area Saturday.

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