Olympics

A week of mostly dry spring-like weather created generally stable avalanche conditions. After a firm overnight refreeze, the top several inches of snow will become slushy but likely won't be enough to increase the avalanche danger. Continue to maintain distance between your party and large cornices or steep snow-covered cliff faces.

The recent storm system didn't produce more than a trace of new snow at Hurricane Ridge. The quiet weather over the past week has enabled the snowpack to ease into a spring transition from the top, downward. Temperatures stayed cool on Sunday with a high of 36F at the Ridge. The firm crust softened to an inch of slush on top as reported by NPS rangers on Sunday. Rangers observed very minimal rollerball activity and a few very shallow loose wet avalanches from the last week, but no fresh avalanche activity.

Monday will be warmer than Sunday. Crusts should soften significantly by the afternoon and you may be able to push enough snow to generate a very shallow loose wet avalanche on a very steep sun-exposed slope. 

Surface crusts have formed on all aspects except possibly the steepest northerly alpine slopes.  

Cornices are large and looming along many high elevation ridgelines. Travel cautiously along ridgelines and in cornice run-out zones.

Saturday and Sunday we've seen isolated glide avalanches in other zones.  Limit your time below open glide cracks and/or cliff faces that continue to hold snow. 

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

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.