Bollettino valanghe

Olympics

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Pericolo valanghe

Fri
Alta quota
3 · Marcato
Limite del bosco
3 · Marcato
Sotto il limite
2 · Moderato
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In sintesi

The avalanche danger will stay elevated on Thursday even as storm conditions ease.  You're likely to trigger a slab avalanche on slopes steeper than 35 degrees near and above treeline.  Recent winds will have created deeper slabs on lee slopes.  Give the new snow time to settle and make conservative terrain choices.  

Problemi valanghivi

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alta quota
    • Limite del bosco
    • Sotto il limite del bosco
    Probabilità
    Likely
    Dimensione
    1–2

    You are likely to trigger a slab avalanche on convex rollovers or open slopes steeper than 35 degrees Thursday.  If you find evidence of natural slab avalanches that released in the last 24 hrs, take nature's signal and avoid similar terrain nearby.   Watch for shooting cracks as you travel in the fresh snow and use small test slopes to test the new snow's bond.   Winds were moderate to strong out of the S-SW Wednesday and Wednesday night.  Deeper drifts below ridgelines mean the potential for larger avalanches on wind loaded slopes.  Use visual clues such as freshly built cornices to see which slopes may harbor deeper drifts.  

    (12/30/2020) A storm slab released on the downhill side of the road opposite the Obstruction Point TH. Look for signs of new or recent avalanches and avoid similar slopes Thursday. Photo - NPS

  • Loose Wet

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

    Rain may fall on new snow below 5000' Wednesday night and cause wet snow avalanches.  As the storm departs on Thursday, rising temperatures and a chance for sun breaks will maintain the possibility of small loose wet avalanches at lower and mid-elevations and on very steep south aspects.  If you find yourself sinking in wet snow more than ankle-deep or see natural warning signs like pinwheels or rollerballs releasing from steep slopes, move to lower angle terrain.  Even small loose wet avalanches can knock you off your feet and can cause injury in the wrong piece of terrain.

    Look for natural pinwheels or rollerballs at mid-elevations as a sign that you can trigger a loose wet avalanche in the surface snow.

Avalanche Discussion

A significant winter storm dropped about a foot of fresh snow to the Hurricane Ridge area through Wednesday afternoon with another 6-10 inches expected Wednesday night above 4500-5000'.  Park personnel observed small slab avalanches that had released adjacent to road cuts mid-day Wednesday.  Prior to this storm,  3-4 mm surface hoar (feathery weak snow crystals) could be found on most aspects.  It's unclear whether or not this weak snow has survived the new snow and wind or contributed to more widespread avalanching at higher elevations. 

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.

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