Olympics

Small wind slabs may still be triggered on shaded aspects where you find steep rollovers in the terrain. On sun-exposed aspects prolonged above-freezing temperatures may lead to a very shallow refreeze overnight, with the thin crust quickly breaking down as the sun warms the snow. When you can sink into wet snow up to your ankle or observe rollerball activity, move to shaded aspects to avoid small but potentially consequential loose wet avalanches.

A storm on Monday brought 6-8" of new snow, bringing the total snow depth at Hurricane Ridge to 34". Winds started strong, likely forming wind slabs, in the Hurricane Ridge area but decreased during the day as snow continued to accumulate. Trying to use visual clues to determine the location of wind slabs from Monday's storm may not work well, because the telltale signs may be covered with lower density snow.  By Thursday, mild temperatures may have helped the healing process on sun-exposed aspects. Expect these slabs to be triggered on colder aspects in isolated locations near and above treeline.  Steer around poorly supported slopes approaching 40 degrees of pitch. Feel for firmer wind-stiffened snow and watch for cracking of the new snow as clear signs of instability and a message to stick to lower angle and lower consquence slopes. When in doubt, choose supported, lower-angle slopes.

Cold air initially followed Monday's storm as a high pressure ridge moved in with plenty of sunshine. Tuesday, temperatures started cold (in the low 20's), but warmed up to 38 F by 5 PM and continue to rise into the mid 40s during the evening hours. By the time you set foot on the Hurricane Ridge snowpack on Thursday, the area will have experienced greater than 40 degree temperatures for at least 36 hours and a shallow overnight refreeze will quickly break down on Thursday. What might happen with unseasonably warm sustained temperatures and a mostly dry shallow snowpack?

• Loose wet avalanches: You are likley to notice plenty of loose wet and rollerball activity on sun-exposed aspects from Wednesday. Expect more to continue on Thursday. Natural small loose wet avalanches can release from above and push you into terrain you don't want to be in, such as over a cliff or into rocks or trees. They can be triggered by snow falling off trees, cliffs, or small cornice failures. You can also trigger an avalanche on steep slopes where wet snow allows you to sink in up to the top of your ankle. Pay attention to the aspects where a crust breaks down and shift to cooler, shaded aspects. Clouds and slightly increasing winds Thursday afternoon may limit this problem later in the day. 
• Glide cracks or avalanches: Smooth grassy or rock slopes can become lubricated with running water and this may happen more rapidly given the shallow, early season snowpack. If you see signs of large cracks forming to the base of the snowpack, avoid exposure from above and dial back your plans.

Early season conditions exist, particularly in the trees. Avalanches, including small ones, will be more dangerous, potentially raking you through shallowly buried obstacles. Rivers and creeks are likely still open. 

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.