Avalanche forecast

Stevens Pass

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
5 · Extreme
Treeline
5 · Extreme
Below
5 · Extreme
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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Avoid all avalanche terrain and backcountry travel. Expect unusually dangerous conditions with widespread very large and destructive avalanches starting at upper elevations. A uniquely potent storm will maintain concern for roof avalanches and slides in unusual locations near towns and in the valleys.

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

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

    This is a day to avoid the mountains altogether. Avalanches are very likely to certain on slopes 30 degrees or steeper. Strong wind will drive very large avalanches at upper elevations which could run to below treeline. Avalanches could be destructive and big enough to bury cars or break trees. They could run on older layers in the top 3 feet of the snowpack. Even if traveling in vehicles or close to town, stay far out from under any avalanche paths and do not stop or linger in runout zones. Expect wet avalanches below 4,000ft. 

    Access and travel is limited due to road closures. Impacts of avalanches include low elevation terrain where they are rarely a concern and roof avalanche hazards. Use caution around any large roofs and even small slopes holding snow. Make sure children and pets stay out from under areas of concern.

    (1/12/2021) An example from last season of the extent of natural storm slab avalanches we could expect.  Rock Mountain, SE, 5400ft. Photo: Josh Hirshberg

Avalanche Discussion

Since January 5th, over 31 inches of snow has accumulated with 3" of water equivalent. Another 2.5" of precipitation will fall as snow above 4,000ft by late Friday.  There is minimal access to most of the zone as Highway 2 is closed. On Thursday, WSDOT forecasters reported multiple avalanches at least D3 in size hitting the closed highway west of Stevens Pass. In a portion of Tumwater Canyon, they reported over 30 debris piles on the highway up to 15 feet deep. In the neighboring East Central zone, we've received a report of an avalanche damaging a house south of Entiat and multiple reports of dangerous roof avalanches.

 

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