Olympics

The Olympics picked up just enough snow that you could trigger a slab in mildly wind-loaded locations where 8" or more of recent snow accumulated in the lee of ridgelines. You will need to check for interfaces within the storm snow and at the new/old snow interface to assess the potential problem. Remember that shallowly submerged terrain obstacles will ruin your Turkey Day if you get into an avalanche of any size.

Hurricane ridge picked up 0.67" of storm snow water equivalent since mid-day Tuesday (more than expected), which arrived with light winds, and reports 32" of snow on the ground. 

The 6-8" of recent storm snow likely bonded well to pre-existing snow surfaces as it came in warm initially, with a cooling trend that give it a favorable snow profile. However, in wind-prone lee locations, enough snow may have been transported to create a slab greater than 8" that you can trigger on Thursday.  Stick to areas where you find shallower recent snow and avoid potentially wind-loaded slopes greater than 35 degrees such as slopes adjacent to scoured ridgelines. Use small test slopes to check for unstable interfaces and heed the warning signs of cracking snow surfaces, telling you to retreat to lower angle terrain. 

Below the recent snow, you should find several inches of consolidating snow from Monday, likely sitting above an 11/21 sun crust. Besides the thin crust, ONP rangers reported a relatively unconsolidated snowpack without much distinct layering as of Sunday (11/22).

Early season conditions exist:

1. We have minimal snowpack information. Plan to evaluate the snow as you travel and keep your objectives scaled back. Recent avalanche activity, rapid settlement of the snowpack as you travel, or heavy over less dense snowpack structure are all signs that the snow conditions may be more dangerous than a shallow wind slab. 
2. Travel will be more hazardous and terrain features look different than you expect. Avalanches, including small ones, will be more dangerous, potentially raking you through shallowly buried obstacles. Rivers and creeks are likely still open. Trail-breaking may be challenging given the lack of consolidated snow.

Forecast Schedule: For the 2019-20 winter season, avalanche danger ratings will be issued for the Olympics every Friday through Sunday and during mid-week holidays. During the week, No Rating will be issued but forecasts will include expected conditions and relevant travel advice.  If you are out in the Olympics, share your backcountry observations with us and the greater community.

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.

Be an active participant in the forecast by SHARING YOUR OBSERVATIONS with NWAC and the backcountry community. Check out this BLOG POST and VIDEO TUTORIAL to find out more about why observations are so important and how you can view and share information on NWAC’s new public observations platform.