Stevens Pass
Lawinengefahr
Kernpunkte
You may be able to trigger very small, loose avalanches on steep slopes. There's a chance you could find shallow, fresh wind drifts at upper elevations. For Monday, expect light snow ending by morning and decreasing clouds.
Avalanche Discussion
You may be able to trigger small, shallow avalanches in the recent snow. If the sun comes out on Monday afternoon, you may see small loose avalanches on steep southerly slopes. 2-4 inches of soft snow is sitting on a slick crust and may slide easily. Winds may be just strong enough to have transported the light snow on the highest peaks. If you find more significant fresh drifting, use caution on steep slopes. Avalanches on Monday may pose little risk on most slopes. Use caution in very steep, extreme terrain and around terrain traps like cliffs. Here, even a small avalanche could result in injury.
The last few days have brought dustings of snow with 2" on Sunday and a few inches from late last week. Just under the surface, is a firm and icy crust. Observers have reported surface hoar and facets above the crust. Surfaces could be slick and even dangerous on steep slopes. Use caution where you could slide a long way or hit rocks, trees, or cliffs. Open creeks and downed trees pose another hazard while traveling through the mountains.
On Friday, observers reported small loose avalanches on steep, sunny slopes near treeline. It's been almost two weeks since our last major storm and avalanche cycle. You can see still see the evidence of some of these avalanches. On the 18th, I checked out one of these avalanches in the historic Wellington path on Windy Mountain. This slide was easily big enough to break mature trees or bury a car. The debris piles were over 12 feet and deeply gouged in places.
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.