Stevens Pass

A change in the weather has finally arrived! This first round of precipitation won't be enough to significantly increase the danger. You could begin to see cracking or table-sized avalanches in isolated pockets of wind-drifted snow at upper elevations, so use caution in extreme terrain where a slip and fall could be consequential. 

While the weather is changing, this isn't a powerful storm. By the end of the day on Wednesday, we may see just a few inches of fresh snow. At upper elevations, winds may drift the new snow into thin wind slabs on lee aspects. These aren't likely to be significant, except in extreme terrain, where even a tiny avalanche could cause a high-consequence fall. 

After the long dry spell, snowpack surfaces and structure have deviated significantly by aspect. Most surfaces have some form of melt-freeze crust. On southern slopes, the crust is thick and supportable, while it trends thinner and unsupportable on northern aspects.  Weak faceted snow has also been documented below these crusts on most aspects. At lower elevations and in shady, sheltered terrain, surface hoar and faceted grains may exist on the snow surface in isolated areas. There is uncertainty about whether it will bond well to these old surfaces. As this trickle-in pattern of snow begins, it is a great time to use quick hand pits and test slopes to assess the new/old snow interface. If the snow slides easily as a cohesive slab, avalanches will likely be easier to trigger as additional snow accumulates. 

Snow depths have decreased significantly due to prolonged warm temperatures and sunshine, particularly on sunny slopes, where patches of bare ground are not uncommon.  You can expect deeper coverage on the north half of the compass. Under the tree canopy, you can expect the most bumpy, variable conditions. Icy chunks and rough surfaces will be more akin to a frozen coral reef. Below 5,000ft, there are plenty of open holes, creeks, and exposed rocks on all aspects. it will be wise to remember that these obstacles may soon be shallowly buried beneath fresh snow.