Avalanche forecast

Stevens Pass

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

On Saturday, you may be able to trigger avalanches in new and recent storm layers. Use caution on slopes steeper than 35 degrees, and stick to lower angle slopes if you see recent avalanches or cracks shooting through the snow. You may encounter some small wet avalanches below 4,000ft. 

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    You may be able to trigger avalanches in the top 1-2 feet of the snowpack. Use small test slopes and quick tests to check how the new snow slides. If you see cracks in the snow or test slopes that slide easily, steer around typical trigger points and steep slopes. This includes unsupported slopes, convexed rolls, and rocky slopes over 35 degrees.  With ongoing snow and warm temperatures, the storm snow may stick together as a cohesive slab. Look for heavier, stiffer new snow over softer layers as an indicator of the danger. 

    At the highest ridges, you may find isolated areas of deeper snow accumulation and even some wind-stiffened drifts. Use extra caution on steep slopes where you see signs of wind drifting. If snow accumulates at lower elevations or if the sun comes out, you may see some small wet avalanches below 4,000ft and on sunny slopes.

    (12/30/2022)

    A natural slab avalanche with a crown over 200ft wide. Skyline/Moonlight area E, 4,600ft

    Photo: Liz Riggs-Meder

Avalanche Discussion

On  Friday, observers reported very touchy storm slab avalanche conditions with multiple shallow natural and triggered slides in the new snow. Warming temperatures and close to 1 foot of new snow had many slides propagated widely. One natural avalanche in the Skyline/Moonlight area had a crown that was over 200 feet wide and may have broke down to the Christmas crust. See photo above.  WSDOT forecasters triggered multiple, mostly small, avalanches in the the new snow. Wednesday was also a very reactive day with nurerous triggered wind slab avalanches.  From December 23-27th the Schmidt Haus weather station measured nearly 5.5" of water equivilent with heavy rain and sleet forming a stout crust. 

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