Avalanche forecast

Stevens Pass

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago.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

Highlights

You're most likely to encounter loose avalanches in surface snow. At upper elevations, you may still be able to trigger slab avalanches in areas of wind-drifted snow. Use caution above cliffs and gullies and on steep, wind-loaded slopes just below ridges. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Slabs created on Saturday are beginning to get hidden under newly fallen snow. You may need to feel for stiffer, cohesive snow carefully to identify areas of concern. Avalanches could be deeper and above treeline on exposed slopes, near ridges and cornices. Pay attention to signs of instability such as shooting cracks and recent avalanches if you see them. Avalanches are becoming harder to trigger. 

    Wind slabs could be triggered below large cornices, places like this.

    Photo: Matt Primomo

  • Loose Dry

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

    Small loose avalanches should be expected in the surface snow above a crust that was buried last week. These avalanches could be completely dry on shaded slopes and higher elevations. Elsewhere, they may be moist, heavier, and could push you around more easily. Look for other recent point releases as a clue, and test steep slopes as the day progresses. Watch for a chance of wet avalanches on sunny slopes if clouds clear enough to moisten the surface snow.

    (4/2/2023)

    Small (mostly dry) loose avalanche. Lanham Lake

    Photo:

Avalanche Discussion

Observers reported widespread loose dry avalanches on Sunday and Monday along with wind-affected slopes at upper elevations. Observers on Jim Hill found buried surface hour about 1 foot below the surface at the 3/31 interface. On Saturday, there was a round of small avalanches in storm snow and on leeward, wind-loaded slopes. Observers reported finding wide but small natural avalanches in the backcountry adjacent to Stevens Pass Resort and were able to trigger small wind slabs. Westerly winds drifted the 7" of snow that fell on the 31st. Now, you may find up to 1 ft of recent snow over a stout crust from the 31st. 

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