Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Jan 1st, 2020–Jan 2nd, 2020

Alpine

Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Treeline

Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Alpine

Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Treeline

Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Regions

Stevens Pass.

Avalanche danger will be directly related to the amount of new snow that falls. Conditions are likely to be more dangerous the higher you go. If you find more than 8 inches of new snow or thick, recently formed drifts, avoid steep open slopes.

Discussion

A few small wet loose avalanches were observed during the later afternoon on New Years Eve in the Stevens Pass area. This should be a thing of the past at least for Thursday, as colder temperatures cause the snowpack at lower elevations to freeze up. The inch or two of new snow was observed to be bonding well to old surfaces, at least up to mid 5,000ft elevations. The big question is how much snow will fall at Stevens Pass, as a Puget Sound Convergence Zone looks to set up Wednesday night into Thursday. The avalanche forecast hinges on this affecting the area. If it doesn't materialize, avalanche danger may be lower than anticipated.

Recently formed drifts. Southeast facing slope at 5,100ft near Stevens Pass Mountain Resort. January 1, 2020. Photo: Matt Primomo

Snowpack Discussion

New Regional Synopsis coming soon. We update the Regional Synopsis every Thursday at 6 pm.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Storm Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within new snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slabs typically last between a few hours and few days (following snowfall). Storm-slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.