Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Stevens Pass.
Low danger doesn't mean no danger. Use caution in alpine terrain that faces the north half of the compass. Difficult and potentially tricky travel conditions can be expected at the lower elevations.
Discussion
Last weekends atmospheric river event left about 3ft of settled storm snow on the ground at Stevens Pass with about 6" of water equivalent. A widespread, large avalanche cycle was reported from all elevations on the 20th and 21st. Storm slabs were observed above 5,000ft, while many loose wet slides were observed below that. Temperatures warmed up mid storm, and it rained up to about 5,000ft. As a result, a sometimes breakable, sometimes supportable, but frozen melt freeze crust can be found up to around 5,000ft, making travel difficult at lower elevations. It is also very unlikely you'll trigger avalanches at these lower elevations because of refrozen conditions.
We have the least amount of information and more uncertainty from the alpine zone. That 3ft of storm snow at the pass may mean you'll find close to 5ft of storm snow at 6,000ft, which is a whopping load for any snowpack to adjust to! Higher elevation north facing slopes may still hold weak snow beneath this thick storm slab. Steep convex rolls, and extreme terrain with shallow coverage are areas I might still steer away from. If you venture into the high alpine or further east in the zone, it would be prudent to check out the East Central Zone forecast, as we have a lingering persistent slab problem there.Â
An older, partially filled in crown near a couple of recent ski tracks. East side of Tye Peak, December 24, 2019. Joseph Dellaporta photo.
Snowpack Discussion
New Regional Synopsis coming soon. We update the Regional Synopsis every Thursday at 6 pm.