Avalanche forecast

Stevens Pass

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
4 · High
Below
4 · High
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Highlights

6a Update: Avalanche Warning. Very Dangerous conditions remain after over 4 feet of snow and strong wind in the past 5 days.  Avoid traveling through or under large avalanche paths and large slopes steeper than 30 degrees. 

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Very Likely
    Size
    2

    The most dangerous slopes will be above treeline where both new snow and westerly wind will build thick slabs. Large natural avalanches are likely in steep wind-loaded terrain above treeline. Watch for cracking in the snow and stiffer, wind-sculpted features. These avalanches could run into lower elevations. Seek out lower-angled, wind-sheltered terrain away from overhead hazards while the the new snow time settles and stabilizes.

    At lower elevations, use caution on slopes 35 degrees and steeper. You could trigger storm slab avalanches and loose sluffs that may run far and could be large enough to bury you. Steer around convex rollovers and unsupported slopes. You may find a few storm interfaces that could be problem weak layers including stiffer, recent snow resting over softer snow. Use snowpack tests and small slopes to assess how new snow bonds to itself and old snow surfaces.  

    (2/13/2021) A small skier triggered storm slab (D1) on a north aspect at 5400ft in Lanham Creek that failed on weak snow at the February 11 interface.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–3

    A heavy load from recent snow and wind has maintained the threat of very large deep persistent slabs. It's been just over a week since the last known avalanche on the mid-January weak layer was just over a week ago. A lack of observations and uncertainty doesn't give us the confidence to remove this problem yet. Continue to stay well away from big, steep, and open slopes near and above treeline. Put a large buffer of terrain between where you travel and large avalanche paths, especially wind-loaded areas. 

    About 3-5 feet below the surface, you can find a layer of grainy, faceted snow above or around a crust that formed in mid-January. Sudden and propagating snowpack tests on this layer can indicate the potential for an avalanche. While these avalanches may be less likely below treeline, this weak structure can be found in open terrain above 4,000ft, so we can't rule it out.

    (2/7/2021) A two party involvement occurred on February 7th. Skiers triggered a very large (D3) avalanche which partially buried 2 people. The avalanche released on a NE aspect at 6,100ft on Jim Hill in the Stevens Pass zone.

Avalanche Discussion

WSDOT forecasters triggered multiple large and a couple of very large avalanches during control work early Tuesday AM. On Monday, an observer reported many natural avalanches on steep southerly aspects below Skyline Lake. At least one crown was confirmed. Observers on Saturday and Sunday reported several natural and triggered avalanches and widespread shooting cracks. On Saturday, a large natural avalanche in the Old Faithful slidepath even hit Highway 2 near Stevens Pass. Avalanches occurred within new and wind drifted snow and at the old/new snow interface. The recent snow rests atop weak old snow surfaces with the potential for surprising avalanches that could be triggered remotely from areas below or adjacent to avalanche terrain. Avalanches related to new snow and wind are concerning enough, and lingering deep slab instability still weighs on our minds. With a busy holiday weekend, be mindful of other backcountry travelers above and below you. These conditions require very cautious terrain and travel choices. Non-avalanche hazards also exist at this time including tree well and deep snow immersion. Find out more information about deep snow safety HERE.

Unfortunately, a snow biker triggered an avalanche on the deep persistent layer in the East Central zone on February 8 and was buried and killed. For more details and information, see the Accident Reports page and the post-incident investigation video below. 

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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