Olympics

Very dangerous avalanche conditions exist near and above treeline as heavy rain saturates previously dry snow. Avoid all avalanche terrain where a wet avalanche can start, stop, or run.  In some cases, avalanches initiated at upper elevations could descend into below treeline terrain.

Heavy rain and snow along with warming temperatures and strong winds will create very dangerous avalanche conditions. A widespread natural avalanche cycle is expected in many areas. Wet avalanches may become large and destructive, and could run into below treeline elevations in isolated areas. Stay off of, and out from underneath steep slopes originating near or above treeline.

Hurricane Ridge picked up 4" of snow above 4000-4500 ft  Saturday night with strong winds drifting snow 1 ft or deeper to the lee (north-facing) side of ridgelines and scouring the windward slopes to the 2/19 crust. We're expecting 2.5" of water equivalent with snow levels rising up to 5500-6000 ft. Dry wind-drifted snow could still produce slab avalanches above treeline, but travel is not recommended into this terrain. Below treeline, the snow was becoming wetted late in the day and large rollerballs were observed coming off rocks and cliffs (see media gallery). As the warm temperatures march up the hill, large rollerballs will be a precursor to large wet avalanches on Monday.

Earlier in the week, several inches of dry and fluffy snow had accumulated at Hurricane Ridge during periods of light to moderate northerly winds.  NPS Rangers observed that winds had drifted the recent snow into soft and shallow slabs.  No new or recent avalanches have been reported. 

If you choose to travel in non-avalanche terrain, keep in mind that travel hazards are still present due to the below-normal snowpack.  Unusually dry and warm conditions in January and the first half of February exposed bare ground on many W and S aspects. Photos from these outings remain in the media gallery to remind you of the landscape prior to the snowfall and how the recent snow may just be enough to mask shallowly submerging rocks or stumps - or magnify the risk of a any avalanche. Take your time navigating shallow snowpack areas or open, gushing creeks in the valley bottoms.

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.