Lawinenlagebericht

Stevens Pass

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Lawinengefahr

Thu
Hochgebirge
2 · Mässig
Waldgrenze
1 · Gering
Unterhalb
1 · Gering
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Veraltet — dieser Lagebericht ist 2 years ago abgelaufen. Du siehst vergangene Verhältnisse, nicht den aktuellen Bericht.

Kernpunkte

Happy first day of full avalanche forecasts from NWAC!

At higher elevations you might find some lingering wind slabs that you could trigger an avalanche on. Search for thicker deposits along ridgelines and features, and avoid the drifts on steep slopes. This early season snowpack is thick up high, but at lower elevations be cautious with exposed or thinly buried hazards. 

Lawinenprobleme

  • Wind Slabs

    • Hochgebirge
    • Waldgrenze
    • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
    Wahrscheinlichkeit
    Possible
    Größe
    1

    You may find new and recently formed wind slabs at upper elevations, which could reach down into the mid-elevation band as well. You could trigger an avalanche on one of these deposits. The size of drifts will probably remain shallow and small, limited to the top foot or less of the snowpack.

    Search for thicker, pillowlike deposits on the leeward side of ridgelines and around other exposed features like rocks or in gullies. Identify clues like long, shooting cracks from your weight. Avoid these slabs on steep slopes. Your largest concern is triggering one of these avalanches in high consequence terrain, where you could get carried through trees, off a cliff, or buried deep in a gully. 

    Example photo: A small human triggered wind slab avalanche off a NE aspect on a ridgeline at Jim Hill, 6300ft, from a previous year

    Photo: Erin Andrade

Avalanche Discussion

If the sun comes out, wet loose avalanches may occur on steep, south-facing slopes. If the sun actually shines, avoid travel on or underneath suspect slopes. 

Most backcountry travelers are reporting a generally stable and right side up snowpack, although some travelers reported active wind transport and remaining cautious of wind slabs (observation). We haven't received any reports of human-triggered avalanches in the Stevens Pass backcountry in the last couple days. Despite this, information early season is limited, especially at higher elevations. Lower elevations still harbor obstacles such as exposed or subtly buried stumps, rocks and creeks. Taking all this into account, travel carefully in the backcountry. This is a good time to get back into your winter mindset by paying attention to the snowpack, thinking about avalanches, and brushing up on your avalanche rescue skills. 

Uphill travel at Stevens Pass Ski Area: 1) Follow the ski area’s Uphill Travel Policy. 2) Avalanche mitigation may not have occurred. You should approach the terrain as if it were any other backcountry slope. 3) Numerous other hazards may exist, including electrical lines, snowmaking, heavy machinery, and other motorized traffic. 4) Ski patrol and other ski area staff are not there to respond to emergencies. Travelers should be self-sufficient.

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