Olympics

Your risk of slabs may be heightened on atypical southerly aspects near ridgelines. You can trigger small loose avalanches on steep slopes facing direct sunshine. Pay attention to shallow snowpack areas where rocks and roots could increase your risk of trauma.

Since Saturday evening, the Hurricane Ridge area picked up around 8-10".  Temperatures started mild, helping the storm snow bond well to the 2/19 crust. A strong cooling trend produced a generally right-side-up snowpack layering. A northerly wind component during much of the storm focused the highest snow totals on the northern parts of the range. The fresh snow sits above a 2/19 crust or dry ground. Below the 2/19 crust, the snowpack is strong and there are no layers of concern. 

Avalanche considerations:

• Wind-drifted snow. Early in the storm, winds were very light and transported minimal snow, but ONP Rangers reported NE winds drifting the low-density snow onto S aspects on Monday. Look for signs of wind-textured snow as you approach ridgelines and note which side of the ridgeline was scoured, identifying pillow-like drifts on the opposite side where you might be able to trigger a small avalanche on a steep slope. These drifts may have formed on atypical more southerly aspects. 
• Most snow you encounter should be less impacted by the wind. In these areas, loose snow avalanches should be on your mind. With cold temperatures in place through Tuesday, shaded aspects should stay dry and the upper snowpack may begin to lose strength under cold, clear skies. In these areas, expect fast-running loose dry avalanches in steep terrain. With full sunshine and light winds in the forecast, watch for rocky outcrops on the slopes above you that might start shedding snow to form loose avalanches in the surface snow that could be wet, dry, or even a mixture.

NWAC and NPS staff traveled around the Hurricane Ridge area 02/17 and 02/18,  surveying the landscape at the end of an abnormally warm and dry period which extended from the latter half of January to the first half of February. Some photos from these outings remain in the media gallery to remind you of the landscape prior to the snowfall. Many W and S aspects melted out prior to the storm with the new snow shallowly submerging rocks or stumps to magnify the risk of a small avalanche. Consider the potential consequences before exposing yourself on or above shallow snow cover areas and steep/extreme terrain. The low-density snow simply won't provide much protection against these surfaces. Take your time navigating shallow snowpack areas or creeks in the valley bottoms.

2021-22 Forecast Schedule: Avalanche danger ratings will be issued for the Olympics every Friday through Sunday and during mid-week holidays. During the week when the Hurricane Ridge road is closed, forecast information will be updated daily to include expected conditions and relevant travel advice under the No Rating label.