Olympics

As you climb in elevation, feel for wind stiffened snow and approach slopes below ridgelines with caution. If you see recent avalanches or see signs of instability like shooting cracks, avoid nearby steep slopes. 

Roughly 6" of new snow accumulated through Monday afternoon in the Hurricane Ridge area.  An avalanche course in the Hurricane Ridge area Sunday afternoon observed the new storm snow bonding well to the old surface in the bottom of the near treeline band.  On wind-exposed ridgelines and features, the snow likely drifted into firmer and deeper slabs. It’s in these locations that you’re most likely to encounter avalanche concerns. Wind textured surfaces and drifts can point towards aspects that may hold wind-loaded snow. Take time to identify where you think the wind formed slabs and then choose lower angled or less wind-affected snow to help reduce your risk. 

Prior to the storm, observers reported a very firm but rough snow surface. In the Hurricane Ridge area at least, we didn't have the same concerns about the new snow layering over older weak snow grain types.  If you travel to different areas of the Olympics, be prepared to make your own observations.  Below the old snow surface, a very strong and well-settled snowpack exists. Currently, we are not tracking any weak layers deeper in the snowpack. 

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.