Stevens Pass

Tuesday will be a transition day as we replace the recent clear sunny skies with high clouds. The clouds and cold east winds will mean avalanches are still unlikely.  Surfaces will probably remain icy and firm throughout the day, so make sure to bring appropriate equipment to prevent long sliding falls. 

Increasing clouds ahead of a frontal system will filter sunshine and likely prevent much softening of snow surfaces. East flow through the mountain gaps will also move cold air into the Stevens Pass zone.  While avalanches aren't a concern, you'll want to be prepared with equipment to avoid long falls on slick snow surfaces.

Areas of open terrain have textured surface crusts of varying thickness. On southern aspects, these crusts are thick and supportable, occasionally softening into "corn" when the sun and temperatures are just right. Northern aspects have a thinner, potentially breakable surface crust over weak, faceted snow.  Snow depths have decreased significantly due to prolonged warm temperatures and sunshine, particularly on sunny slopes, where patches of bare ground are not uncommon.  You can expect deeper coverage on the north half of the compass. Shaded east, north, and west aspects are staying cold. The surface crust is beginning to get thinner. Under the tree canopy, you can expect the most bumpy, variable conditions. Icy chunks and rough surfaces will be more akin to a frozen coral reef. Below 5,000ft, there are plenty of open holes, creeks, and exposed rocks on all aspects.

As we lead up to our next storm (fingers crossed), pay attention to any potential weak or smooth, icy surfaces that could get buried. These may make weak layers and good sliding surfaces for future avalanches. You may find surface hoar in valley bottoms or around creeks, but we haven't received reports of it being widespread in mountain terrain.