Olympics

A widespread and treacherous surface crust of varying thickness and hardness will increase the risks of any fall. Test your ability to self-arrest before crossing steep slopes. Avalanche debris and open streams may also complicate your travel.

A look at the last few days in the Hurricane Ridge area: Monday featured near-freezing temperatures with sunshine only softening steep south-facing slopes. Professionals observed crusts of varying thickness and slickness along with plenty of avalanche debris and old crowns from last week's natural avalanche cycle.  Temperatures were above freezing Monday night and all day Tuesday, reaching a high of 40F.  Filtered sunshine likely softened snow surfaces and created a chance for small Wet Loose avalanches on steep SW-S-SE slopes on Tuesday.

A frontal passage Tuesday night will bring cooler air and increased cloud cover through Wednesday, limiting any potential for avalanches and making firm and frozen surfaces likely on all aspects. If you see the sunlight glinting off the slope, expect icy conditions and difficult edging or side-hilling. Icy slopes are the rule, not the exception.

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 safety.
• Old avalanche debris may be firm, chunky, and time-consuming to negotiate.
• Glide cracks are open on known glide slopes.
• Creeks may be blown out and difficult to cross.

Hurricane Ridge has seen mostly dry weather for the last 6 day with multiple melt-freeze cycles developing firm crusts above 1.5-2” of wind-blown snow that fell January 13th. 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. 

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.