Olympics

Milder temperatures should make wind slabs at upper elevations stubborn to trigger. These avalanches will be larger if you ascend to elevations above the crust formed on 12/18.  At lower elevations warm up, pay attention to changes to the surface snow or rollerballs to avoid small wet loose avalanches on steep slopes.

At Hurricane Ridge, a powerful storm brought 5" of snow Friday night before snow levels rose to at least 5200 ft, wetting the upper snowpack Saturday morning. The tail end of the storm system brought 5.5" of snow, which now sits on a supportable, refrozen 12/18 crust. Dry weather since 3 PM on 12/18 has allowed wind slabs time to heal significantly and we believe they are primarily a concern in the lee of ridgelines above treeline.  Use your pole to find a layer that is challenging to identify when the 12/18 crust disappears. Above these elevations, expect heightened avalanche danger limited focused on wind-loaded terrain features steeper than 35 degrees. Pay attention for wind-stiffened snow or firm punchy layers. Look up toward the ridgeline for recently formed cornices pointing toward the slopes you want to ascend or descend. These are the slopes where you could trigger a large avalanche at upper elevations.

Freezing levels rising to 6000 ft will moisten previously dry snow and create the potential for small wet avalanches that could bury you in a terrain trap such as a creek or gully. Navigate to lower angle slopes if you see the precursors of wet avalanches such as rollerballs and wet or sticky snow.

Conditions have changed significantly since NWAC Observer Sam Luthy and NPS staff were in the Maggie's area. However, total snow depth above 4500 ft in sheltered areas remains relatively unchanged around 3' (1m).  The landscape has filled in nicely at mid and upper elevations, but we aren't close to mid-winter depths. Keep an eye out for sharks lurking not too far below the snow surface at lower elevations (rocks, logs, etc).  Observers are still tracking a weak snow (facet) crust combination about 3' down on northerly aspects near treeline in the Hurricane Ridge area. However, no known avalanches have been reported on this layer and recent crust formation gives us increased confidence that it would be very difficult to trigger an avalanche on this layer. At the bottom of the snowpack, you can find a thick crust from early December.

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.