Boletín de aludes

Stevens Pass

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Peligro de aludes

Sun
Alta montaña
3 · Notable
Límite del bosque
3 · Notable
Bajo el límite
3 · Notable
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Desactualizado: este boletín caducó 6 years ago. Estás viendo condiciones pasadas, no el boletín vigente.

Lo esencial

Stormy weather continues to impact our region maintaining dangerous avalanche conditions. Above the rain-snow line, steer around open slopes greater than 35 degrees where you can find new storm snow hazards. At lower elevations, let new rollerballs and fan-shaped debris clue you into the snow surface becoming wet and unstable.

Problemas de aludes

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alta montaña
    • Límite del bosque
    • Bajo el límite del bosque
    Probabilidad
    Likely
    Tamaño
    2

    Look for changes in temperature, precipitation rate, and wind speed to form weak layers within the new snow Saturday. Avoid traveling on open slopes greater than 35 degrees until these new storm slabs have time to heal. You can use small slopes and up-track tests to see how the new snow reacts under your weight. Take a look at which layers are failing and think about where else you could find a similar snow structure. As you ascend in elevation or travel into wind affected terrain, remember avalanches could be deeper and more destructive.

    (1/1/2021) Testing storm snow layers on a small unsupported slope.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alta montaña
    • Límite del bosque
    • Bajo el límite del bosque
    Probabilidad
    Possible
    Tamaño
    1–2

    Observations from near Lanham Lakes on Friday didn’t find much evidence of loose wet avalanche activity. However, they did note deep wet snow at mid and lower elevations. More rain will only maintain these conditions. While it may be difficult to initiate a loose wet avalanche, if it begins to run, it could entrain significant amounts of snow and grow larger. If you see new rollerballs or find fresh piles of wet debris, steer around similar slopes.

    (1/1/2021) Example: New rollerballs on the Valley Rd near Paradise, Mt Rainier National Park. Clues like this indicate the surface snow is becoming wet and unstable.

Avalanche Discussion

We’re more than 4 days into a prolonged storm cycle at Stevens Pass. Snow continues to pile up, especially at mid and upper elevations. As the storm totals grow so does our uncertainty. Any avalanche has the potential to entrain additional snow, grow larger and become destructive.

While we’re primarily concerned about the new snow hazards, the 12/21 crust still has our attention. An NWAC forecaster in the Stevens zone on Friday continued to get snowpack test results that suggest weak facets above the crust can fail and produce avalanches. While triggering this layer might be difficult due to the strength of the overlying snow, if it failed the resulting avalanche may be very large. You may find the prominent 12/21 crust and it’s associated facets 2-3’ below the snow surface. Be leery of traveling in larger avalanche paths where this layer cloud roar to life. 

At lower elevations expect very challenging travel conditions with wet, heavy, and punchy snow.

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.

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