Avalanche forecast

Stevens Pass

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

A brief storm will bring a few inches of snow and moderate westerly wind. You may still be able to trigger avalanches in the recent snow, especially where winds form drifts at upper elevations. Clouds may break enough to cause some small wet avalanches on steep, sunny slopes.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Westerly winds may form shallow, fresh slabs with a few inches of new snow that falls early morning on Wednesday.  Watch for natural avalanches, cracking in the snow, and small test slopes that slide easily as indicators of instability.  Look for actively blowing snow and pay close attention to recent wind drifting patterns. Steer around drifts on steep wind-loaded slopes.

    (3/3/2023)

    An example of a natural slab avalanche on a leeward slope in early March. Highlands Bowl, SE, 5,600ft

    Photo: Stevens Pass Ski Patrol

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    Wet avalanches could occur naturally as the snow surface becomes moist. Watch for roller balls and snow falling from trees as indicators that the snow is getting moist and weak. Moist snow surfaces and wet snow that slides easily are also good indicators that you could trigger an avalanche. Watch for natural avalanches coming from overhead slopes and hazards like falling tree bombs and cornices. You'll want to exercise caution near terrain traps like above cliff bands or tight gullies where a slide could push you into hazards. 

    (2/28/2023)

    Rollerballs indicate snow surfaces are warming, and you could trigger wet loose slides in the hours ahead.

    Photo: Brooke Maushund

Avalanche Discussion

On Tuesday, observers reported natural wet avalanches to size D1.5 on steep, sunny slopes and some cracking in wind-stiffened snow near and above treeline. On Monday near Lake Susan Jane, Brooke Maushund and Matt Primomo reported up to 6" of new snow, which was a bit heavy below 4,500ft, though generally well bonded to the new/old interface. Winds were strong enough to transport snow, especially above treeline. They reported that a few wet avalanches occurred on Monday, up to D1.5, and steep, south slopes had a thin sun crust from the 12th. 

On Saturday, observers reported a couple of very notable avalanches. A very large D3 natural avalanche occurred on the north side of Rock Mtn, likely on the 10th.  The crown was at 6,750ft, NE-NW, estimated at 6-10ft deep, 500ft wide and it ran approximately 1800 vertical feet. Two similar D3 avalanches were reported above treeline on Cannon Mtn in the neighboring East Central zone. We haven't been able to get snowpack information from these or similar locations above treeline for much of the season. 

Between 2/28-3/6 we received a few reports of triggered avalanches that likely ran on the crust buried around Valentine's day. On March 7th, Matt Primomo checked out the most recent of the avalanches on a southerly aspect below Skyline Lake. The crust is now about 5 feet below the surface and avalanches on it would be very difficult to trigger.

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