Avalanche forecast

Stevens Pass

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

The snowpack is generally strong. Mild temperatures and cloudy skies will do little to change conditions Saturday. If you encounter wet snow surfaces move to cooler, shady slopes, or seek out lower angled terrain to reduce your risk of triggering a small wet loose avalanche.    

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Additional wet loose activity should be isolated and small on Saturday. Cloudy skies look to block any significant solar radiation, but warm temperatures may be enough to weaken snow surfaces at mid and lower elevations. Of most concern are northerly aspects below 6000ft where cold dry snow could become wet and sticky for the first time. Monitor snow surfaces throughout the day, and watch for rollerballs and pinwheels.  In steep, unsupported terrain where you find wet surface snow, small, human-triggered wet loose avalanches may be possible. Even though any potential wet avalanches are not expected to be large enough to bury a person, they could still cause harm if they knock you off your feet or carry you into trees or rocks. Head home early if you find yourself sinking deep into slushy, unconsolidated snow. Or, avoid the problem by choosing lower angled terrain or cooler upper elevation slopes.

    (3/31/2021) A wet loose avalanche (D1.5) off northeast facing terrain near treeline above Tumwater Canyon.

Avalanche Discussion

Generally safe avalanche conditions will exist Saturday. Expect increasing winds in the afternoon before temperatures cool and light precipitation begins. A few inches of new snow Saturday night may be enough to slightly refresh conditions by Sunday with potential for shallow slab development in wind-loaded, upper elevation terrain.

The last storm ended on Monday and left about 15in of new snow on the pass. Wet loose avalanche activity has been the primary concern the past few days with warming temperatures and sunshine. Wednesday and Thursday were the most active, with many small wet loose avalanches along with one large wet loose avalanche on Lichtenberg (see photo below and this observation). This one gouged down into older snow layers and even had a couple of small trees in the debris pile. 

Even with LOW danger, stay alert during the ongoing transition from winter to spring. Cornices grew large over the past few months and loom along many high elevation ridgelines. Continue to travel cautiously in areas where they are present. Glide cracks also exist in isolated areas and continue to widen. Steer away from areas near glide cracks as there is a very small possibility that a glide avalanche may occur.  The snowpack is currently strong and well settled, although a layer of facets above a crust from mid-January created widespread deep slab avalanches through February. Although the last deep slab activity occurred over one month ago and the layer is now dormant or even inactive, it will stay on our radar for the remainder of the season. 

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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