Avalanche forecast

Stevens Pass

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Around a foot of heavy snow fell Saturday and the snowpack is slowly stabilizing. Human triggered avalanches are still likely on Sunday. Stick to lower angle slopes and give time for the snowpack to gain more strength.

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

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

    Thick, heavy snow fell all day Saturday in the Stevens Pass zone. Small and large avalanches were easily triggered in the new snow. Given overnight to stabilize, chances of encountering natural avalanches are decreasing,  but human triggered avalanches are still likely. Chances of triggering an avalanche are higher in areas where wind deposited snow into thicker drifts as well. 

    Only one day out from this large event, continue to stay very careful where you travel. Right now it’s best to spend your time sticking to lower angles because the consequences of getting caught in an avalanche are still too high.

    (12/18/2021)

    This small slab avalanche released when a snowcat cut along a trail early Saturday morning as the WSDOT Stevens Pass team assessed conditions. This was very early in the day when the new snow was still quite shallow. 

    Photo: WSDOT

Avalanche Discussion

A lot of uncertainty exists with this recent storm event and how quickly it will stabilize. As you travel, if you find any signs of instability such as cracking or a notable “upside down” feeling snowpack, avoid steep slopes in that area. “Upside down” snow feels punchy, and involves heavier upper layers of snow overlying lighter layers beneath it. The storm on Saturday mostly fell like this, starting out cooler with lighter, drier snow and then getting warmer and heavier as the day progressed. These conditions are unusual, and staying patient and giving the snowpack a bit more time to heal is a good plan for Sunday.

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