Lawinenlagebericht

Stevens Pass

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Lawinengefahr

Sat
Hochgebirge
2 · Mässig
Waldgrenze
2 · Mässig
Unterhalb
1 · Gering
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Veraltet — dieser Lagebericht ist 5 years ago abgelaufen. Du siehst vergangene Verhältnisse, nicht den aktuellen Bericht.

Kernpunkte

The snowpack is thin, and there are plenty of ground hazards lurking beneath the new snow. Steer around freshly drifted snow on steep slopes at upper elevations, especially if you find signs of recent avalanches or shooting cracks. A potent storm will significantly increase snow coverage, as well as avalanche danger Friday night into Saturday.

Lawinenprobleme

  • Wind Slabs

    • Hochgebirge
    • Waldgrenze
    • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
    Wahrscheinlichkeit
    Possible
    Größe
    1–1.5

    The cold, light snow is beginning to add up and is getting transported into shallow slabs. You are most likely to find unstable wind slabs on open, exposed slopes near and above treeline. If you notice long shooting cracks in fresh difts, then you could trigger an avalanche. Look for visual clues to drifted snow such as small cornice development on the leeward sides of ridgelines. These areas should be fairly isolated in nature and easily avoidable, though warrant caution in steep or consequential terrain. Remember that coverage is thin, and any avalanche could drag you for a rough ride. 

    (12/8/2021) Long shooting cracks in freshly wind drifted snow. E at 5200ft Photo: Matt Primomo

Avalanche Discussion

On Thursday, observers found 10-16" of recent snow over the stout crust from late November at 5,500ft.  Observers have been targeting how well this new snow is bonding to the crust, and finding mixed results. The common thread is that we've found weaker snow just above this crust, and agree that it bears watching as we get more snow into the weekend. An avalanche was triggered on this crust in the East North zone on Wednesday. It's worth noting that we have very limited observations, and minimal information above 5,600ft. Below around 5,200ft you may find a thin, freezing rain crust beneath the new snow.

It's early season, and the snowpack is very thin. Over snow travel is becoming easier on skis and snowmobile, but there are plenty of ground hazards inhibiting easy and safe sliding through much of the area.

A strong storm is expected to impact the area beginning Friday night through Saturday. Expect a significant rise in avalanche danger on Saturday with this dump of new snow. If you get out on Friday, consider submitting an observation to our site here.

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