Bollettino valanghe

Olympics

Northwest Avalanche Center
Vedi sulla mappa

Pericolo valanghe

Sun
Alta quota
2 · Moderato
Limite del bosco
1 · Debole
Sotto il limite
1 · Debole
Open full map
Non aggiornato — questo bollettino è scaduto 4 years ago. Stai vedendo condizioni passate, non il bollettino in corso.

In sintesi

Light upslope snow in the Hurricane Ridge area and a shift to NE winds on Saturday may build shallow new wind slabs before the end of the day.  Be cautious in steep rocky chutes, below higher elevation ridgelines and especially near terrain traps where even a small avalanche could cause trouble.  Use general travel caution when dealing with low snow hazards and other slopes that may be firm or even icy. 

Problemi valanghivi

  • Wind Slabs

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

    There's considerable uncertainty regarding the timing and strength of Fraser Outflow (cold NE-E winds) and light upslope snow along the north slopes of the Olympics including the Hurricane Ridge area Saturday.  As you travel along ridgelines on Saturday, look for firmer wind-drifted snow on a variety of aspects, especially later in the day.  It's possible some upper-elevation slopes may become cross-loaded due to shifting winds. 

    While there's some nuance to the weather forecast, the main message is that if you do trigger a wind slab avalanche, it will likely be small and directly below ridgelines, in steep chutes, or below the base of cliffs.  Think in terms of the consequences of triggering a small slide.  A slab that breaks above a firm and smooth crust will travel quickly and could knock you off your feet.  Use extra caution in consequential terrain like a rocky couloir or above cliff bands where a small avalanche would have outsized consequences. 

    (1/27/2023)

    Wind-sculptured snow near ridgelines in the Snoqualmie Pass area.  Note the small cornice line and textured surfaces. 

    Photo: Brooke Maushund

Avalanche Discussion

A dusting to a few inches of snow likely accumulated in the Hurricane Ridge area Thursday night through Friday morning along with northerly winds.  Temperatures rebounded during the day with several weather stations climbing above the freezing mark.  In addition to the milder temperatures, sunshine on Friday should pave the way for a new temperature/sun crust to form on all aspects except on shady slopes at high elevations.   

We still have some open questions about the upper snowpack in the Hurricane Ridge area.  The amount of snow over the very prominent MLK crust varied widely prior to this storm.  It’s hard to say how this snow fared over the past week. You’re most likely to find weak snow layers on slopes that don’t receive direct sunshine and where this overlying snow is thinner. The only way to really tell is to look for signs of recent avalanches and take time to dig.  If you see avalanches running on the icy MLK crust, the scales may have tipped and it’s time to dial back your terrain choices.

Regioni coperte