Stevens Pass

Travel conditions have improved somewhat with a couple inches of newer snow, but expect various degrees of breakable crust near the surface. Coverage is still shallow at lower elevations so beware of boulderfields, creeks, and downed trees. Consider using summer trails and roads for access.

Expect increasing cloud cover during the day Thursday, while valley fog may re-establish itself near the pass. On Wednesday we traveled to Skyline Lake and found a couple inches of fresh snow from earlier in the week. The storm finished with a flash of rain, so a thin rain crust capped the new snow. Surface hoar was growing atop this crust in most areas, and it seemed to survive the warm temperatures on slopes in the shade. Slopes in the sun softened up quickly, and made for nice though somewhat sticky riding conditions. A few small rollerballs were spotted on steep slopes. Rain runnells from past rain events can still be found up to 6,000ft on many slopes.

We found a notable improvement in travel conditions with just the small amount of new snow, though various types of breakable crust are still quite prevalent at or near the surface. These near crust conditions are worth checking out prior to the next storm, which is forecast to arrive Friday. In many places coverage is still thin, and theres plenty of brush to contend with off the trails. Beware of open or shallowly covered creeks, rocks and stumps out there.

Stevens Pass Ski Area is open. Check uphill policies HERE. You can contribute to the forecast! Let us know what you found by submitting an observation HERE.