Stevens Pass

Cooler temperatures, clouds, and light snow will bring a drop in avalanche danger. Firm and slick surfaces may make travel challenging. Check for a solid overnight freeze on south-facing slopes.

While avalanche conditions are generally safe, firm surfaces will present the potential for uncontrolled falls on steep slopes. Plan accordingly and bring appropriate travel equipment to grip on hard, frozen snow surfaces. The skiff of snow that accumulates will likely slide off of most slopes. Winds may form very small drifts at upper elevations. Any poorly bonded new snow won't be deep enough to present an avalanche hazard.

Warm temperatures in early February drove multiple rounds of wet avalanches. NWAC forecasters observed a D2 wet loose avalanche that ran 1000ft on a SSE aspect of Lichtenberg Mtn on February 12th (see photos). Some of the larger slides that are visible likely occurred with a rain event on February 9th. 

The late January weak layer can still be found on northerly and shaded slopes, though avalanches on it are unlikely. Some recent profile locations have revealed that the layer is well-rounded and hard. However, the weak layer characteristics previously varied significantly throughout the terrain.  While the layer never produced an avalanche cycle in this zone, it was the source of collapsing and signs of instability.  Observers reported sudden test results as recently as Feb 8th. Natural slab avalanches have recently been reported on this layer in both East North and West North zones, where it's been more problematic.