Bollettino valanghe

Olympics

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Pericolo valanghe

Fri
Alta quota
2 · Moderato
Limite del bosco
1 · Debole
Sotto il limite
1 · Debole
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In sintesi

Another day of mainly stable and good snow conditions are expected on Thursday.  Use caution if you see snow drifting along ridgelines and peaks; triggering a shallow slab avalanche could be easier than you think on lee slopes.  The lower elevation snowpack has improved drastically over the last two weeks, but be prepared to navigate holes, exposed creeks and other early season travel hazards. 

Problemi valanghivi

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alta quota
    • Limite del bosco
    • Sotto il limite del bosco
    Probabilità
    Possible
    Dimensione
    1–1.5

    The winds may tick up on Thursday as a weather system approaches.  If you encounter fresh drifts, observe cracking in firmer wind affected snow, or see blowing snow along ridgelines and on higher peaks, use caution on nearby steep lee slopes. 

    If they do form, fresh, denser wind slabs will likely build over weak snow surfaces and may be easier to trigger than expected.  Use caution anywhere a small avalanche could cause harm like above cliffs, trees, or open holes in the snowpack.  

    (12/30/2024)

    Look for cracking in wind-drifted snow as a sign you could trigger a wind slab avalanche on nearby slopes. 

    Photo: Joe Dellaporta

Avalanche Discussion

The good times continued in the Hurricane Ridge area on the first day of 2025 with good snow conditions and generally stable avalanche conditions.  NPS rangers noted widespread surface hoar had formed after clear cold weather on 12/31, and these weak snow grains remain largely preserved  (less so on steeper southerly aspects with a thin sun crust) as we head into a more active weather pattern Thursday night through the weekend. There were no signs of recent avalanche activity in the Hurricane Ridge area.  Cornices are not particularly large this time of year.  The stout Solstice crust formed following our last major rain event could be found 2-2.5' down from the surface on a north aspect near 6000' (total snow depth around 6' or 2m).   Travel conditions are generally good above 4000', however near this elevation, holes, creeks, and other obstacles quickly impede easy navigation. 

Avalanche conditions could change on a dime as we head into Friday.  A warmer storm will layer heavier snow over weaker snow surfaces, a recipe for avalanches.  Stay tuned for details! 

Happy New Year from all of us at the Northwest Avalanche Center! 

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