Olympics

Firm, icy slopes on all elevations and aspects may be barely submerged under shallow new snow. Use caution while traveling on or across steep slopes and consider choosing lower angle terrain with friendly runouts. Any fall could be life-threatening.

We’re expecting around an inch of fresh snow to fall by the end of the day on Thursday. Thick and dangerous ice crusts will remain firm, frozen, and barely submerged under fresh snow that may easily slide off the crusts. If you choose to travel on steeper terrain, expect "extremely icy conditions resulting in difficult skiing, tedious cramponing, and a low likelihood of successfully self-arresting" as recently described by a member of a mountain rescue team in the Mt. Hood zone.

Travel hazards are a very real concern:

• Wherever you find firm and icy surfaces, the ability to self-arrest is paramount. Choose lower angle slopes with safe runouts to increase your margin of error.
• Old avalanche debris may be firm, chunky, and time-consuming to negotiate.
• Glide cracks are open on known glide slopes.
• Rain runnels are frozen, deeply grooved, and widespread.
• Creeks may be blown out and difficult to cross.

We don't expect enough new snow or wind with Thursday’s system to develop avalanche concerns.

Hurricane Ridge has seen mostly dry weather for 7 days with multiple melt-freeze cycles adding to thick rain crusts formed January 11-13. In some cases,1.5-2” of wind-blown snow that fell on January 13th may be sandwiched between the crusts or may still be dry on northerly aspects. From January 11th to 13th a major storm delivered heavy snow and rain to the Olympics. Hurricane Ridge picked up 3.5" of water equivalent during the event mainly in the form of rain. While a modest amount of avalanche activity was reported in the Hurricane Ridge area following the event, large wet snow avalanches were reported by the public and professionals at Marmot Pass, Mt Ellinor, Klahanie Ridge, and Mt Townsend during the past week. The snowpack is strong and without significant layers of concern. Despite last week's rain, the snowpack is above average for this time of year but decreases rapidly as you descend below 4000 ft.

2020-21 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.   

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.