Olympics

New Year's Day should be a pleasant day to be in the mountains with sunshine and slightly above-normal temperatures.  While generally safe avalanche conditions should continue, be prepared for a variety of snow surfaces and low-snow related travel hazards. If you encounter icy conditions on any steep slope, make sure you have the proper tools to self-arrest a fall. 

Sunday was a beautiful day to be out in the mountains with sunshine and light winds.  The gorgeous weather was on the heels of a weak weather system that brought occasional light rain and snow to the Olympics that ended with a dusting or slightly more of new snow to higher elevations.  Even with mild temperatures forecast during the day, slopes that previously had a moist or wet snow surface will likely have formed a new surface crust.  If areas where the new crust is superficial and thin, you may find a wet and punchy snowpack. 

On Saturday, a public observation from Mt Townsend found a dusting of snow at the summit, snow depths of less than 2' in a wind loaded NE gully, and little snow below 5200' in general. Observers were out in the Hurricane Ridge area on Friday, traveling on foot on southerly aspects so they could access northerly aspects where there was enough snow coverage to link turns.  Thanks to the sustained mild temperatures, they found enjoyable and spring-like conditions at the end of December.  In Khlahhane Bowl on northerly aspects,  roughly 1.5' of snow sits over the latest crust.  There were numerous rollerballs and point releases visible from the recent warm and occasionally rainy weather.  No new avalanches or layers of concern were observed.  

You may see small rollerballs or snow shedding from very steep sunny slopes or cliffs that received a bit of recent snow, but generally safe avalanche conditions should continue. Taking any type of ride, be it a small avalanche or more likely, a slip and fall on a slippery slope, would be rough with the menu of objects poking through the snow; rocks, open creeks, stumps, and vegetation. Take it slow and make sure you have the right tools to travel safely during a snow season that's well below-normal for this time of year. 

Happy New Year from everyone here at NWAC - we wish you a happy and healthy 2024!  (Of course a few cold snowy storms would help kick things off on the right foot)

NWAC may issue a gray "No Rating" for an elevation band when there is not enough snow to present an avalanche hazard.