Avalanche forecast

Stevens Pass

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

A few inches of snow with strong wind may create reactive new slabs near and above treeline. Look for signs of drifting snow and feel for strong over weak layering as you travel. Steer around drifted features on steep slopes, especially if finding signs of instability such as shooting cracks. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    A few inches of new snow and fresh westerly winds will create shallow slabs near and above treeline in exposed locations. These may be thicker and wider the higher you go. Look for snow surface texture that indicates recent slab development, such as rippled and wavy surfaces. Check for signs that you could trigger an avalanche such as shooting cracks and feeling for punchy snow or hollow sounding drifts. Steer around the edge of cross-loaded gullies, unsupported roll-overs, and other drifted features on steep slopes. Recent winds have also blown from the East, so you may find wind slabs on a variety of aspects. Observers reported patchy crops of surface hoar on the 8th and 9th around the Pass. Fresh slabs may be more reactive if they form over the top of these weak crystals. 

    Cornices may be large from the recent storms. Give them a wide berth and make sure to keep your distance by staying off of, and out from underneath these overhead hazards.  

    Example shallow wind slab.

Avalanche Discussion

Observers reported shallow, reactive wind slabs from east winds at Stevens Pass on Saturday. Avalanche danger will slowly begin to increase on Monday with some new snow and westerly ridgetop winds strong enough to create slabs. Monday night the storm really picks up, and we're looking at High danger for Tuesday due to heavy precipitation and rising snow levels. Another week, another atmospheric river!

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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