Stevens Pass

While there is still a slight chance of rocks shedding slabs of snow or falling cornices, we think even these lingering hazards are pretty unlikely by now. It's worth staying aware of any sunny cliffs hanging onto snow above you, but the more likely hazards are the treacherous, icy surface conditions. 

It's been over 72 hours since the last reported wet avalanche in the Stevens Pass zone. We can't rule out a shed-style wet avalanche from rocky terrain overhead, but we think it would be a very isolated event. If you look overhead and see rocks and cliffs still holding significant snow and warming in the sun, it's good practice not to stop for lunch under them. 

Long, clear nights and cold easterly flow have both helped to limit daytime warming and create robust surface crusts. Observers in the Stevens Pass area on Saturday reported that sunny slopes softened into nice corn snow and didn't get wet and heavy despite the warm temperatures. You should expect travel over icy surfaces, especially in the morning and on shady slopes. Make sure to bring appropriate equipment to prevent long sliding falls. 

Avalanche professionals and NWAC forecasters reported a widespread wet avalanche cycle on the 12-13th with a significant rain event. Most avalanches were large, and some ran long distances, gouging through much of the recent storm snow. While many rock features released large chunks and glide avalanches, no crowns or slab avalanches were reported.