Avalanche forecast

Stevens Pass

Dec 10 – 11, 2018Northwest Avalanche Center
View on map
Archived · expired 8 years ago

Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
Open full map

Highlights

Cautious route finding and conservative decision-making are essential. You can trigger avalanches due to significant new snow and wind. Avalanche danger will increase in the afternoon and will be most elevated at upper elevations. Watch for signs of dangerous conditions such as recent avalanches, collapsing, or cracks in the snow.

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1

    You can trigger avalanches where about 1 foot fresh snow accumulates. These avalanches will generally be soft and confined to steep slopes. At upper elevations and in wind-exposed terrain, you may find stiffer slabs that could break more widely. On low elevation, below treeline slopes you may encounter small wet avalanches. Use extra caution on slopes over 35 degrees and avoid deeper drifts of snow near and above treeline.

Discussion

Avalanche Discussion

Variable early season conditions exist. Avalanche Danger will change dramatically as you move through the mountains and as slabs build throughout the day. At lower elevations, well below treeline, shallow snow cover may make travel challenging, but may not pose significant hazard for avalanches. Near and above treeline natural and triggered avalanches are likely and could be big enough to kill you.

The main concern is avalanches due to new snow and wind. Underlying the new snow is a layer of weak facets and surface hoar. As new slabs build, it’s possible to trigger large and surprising avalanches. Watch for shooting cracks in the snow, collapses, or avalanches that break widely over terrain features. These are indicators that you should avoid avalanche terrain.

Snowpack Discussion

Regional Synopsis coming soon. 

Regions covered