Avalanche forecast

Stevens Pass

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 7 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Increasing temperatures and rain on dry snow will make small wet avalanches in steep terrain your primary concern. Avalanches will increase in size with elevation, and while most avalanches will be small, consider avoiding consequential terrain where a small slide could push you into rocks or over cliffs. 

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    Temperatures will continue to climb on Friday, and it's likely to rain into the upper elevation band. There isn't a lot of fresh snow, but it will be enough to see small wet loose avalanches. There is more dry snow at upper elevations, so as the rain/snow line climbs higher during the day, expect larger avalanches in areas above 5500ft. As snow becomes wet, heavy, or sticky, consider avoiding very steep terrain features where a small avalanche could knock you into rocks, trees, or cliffs. Natural or triggered rollerballs and pinwheels are the first sign of this avalanche problem.

    (12/28/2024)

    Steep road banks are a great to observe wet snow instabilities, like these rollerballs and mini wet loose avalanches. 

    Photo: Katie Warren

Avalanche Discussion

Thursday brought additional precipitation and warming to the Stevens Pass zone.  Friday will be an additional few degrees warmer, and the trickle-in pattern of precipitation will continue. We have a lot of uncertainty at upper elevations, but we suspect that at the highest elevations in very steep terrain, you could trigger a shallow wind slab. In most terrain, these small avalanches wouldn't pose much of a hazard. But in very steep, confined, or cliffy terrain, a small avalanche could cause a dangerous fall. Use extra caution and consider steering around more aggressive terrain features. 

NWAC Forecasters and other observers reported widespread rollerballs and small wet loose avalanches in very steep terrain. The recent snow fell on various old surfaces, including thin crusts with weak faceted snow below. With minimal snow over this weak structure, it's not much of a concern for avalanches at this time, but it is a layer we will continue to track. Observers also reported a slightly upside down layering to the new snow, but it wasn't enough snow to produce any storm slab avalanches at mid elevations. This layering could be more concerning at upper elevations, so monitor the new/old interface frequently with quick hand pits. If the snow slides easily as a cohesive slab, avalanches will likely be easier to trigger. Enter new terrain cautiously and make frequent observations before committing to steep slopes. 

Snow depths have decreased significantly due to prolonged warm temperatures and sunshine, particularly on sunny slopes, where patches of bare ground are not uncommon.  You can expect deeper coverage on the north half of the compass. Under the tree canopy, you can expect the most bumpy, variable conditions. The icy, chunky surfaces are still widespread but have softened with the warmer temperatures, making travel conditions marginally better. There are plenty of open holes, creeks, and exposed rocks at lower elevations. 

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