Avalanche forecast

Stevens Pass

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

You can trigger small avalanches in recently fallen snow where it slides easily, especially on slopes steeper than 35 degrees near and above treeline. Check if the snow slides before committing to large, steep slopes. Ongoing stormy weather will bring up to another 6" of snow and slightly warming temperatures by Monday afternoon. 

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    You may be able to trigger avalanches where you find 6-18 inches of recent snow that slides easily. If you see cracks shooting through the snow, use caution on slopes steeper than 35 degrees. Steer around likely trigger points like steep rollovers and convex terrain features. Use extra caution near terrain traps where an avalanche could push you into rocks, trees, or gulleys. Even small avalanches could be dangerous in those areas. As you climb up the mountains, avalanches will be bigger and easier to trigger. You may find that snow also slides more easily at upper elevations. Take opportunities to assess the snow as you move through the terrain. Use small test slopes and quick pits to check how the snow slides. 

    Stevens Pass could receive up to another 6" of snow by late Monday. This snow could be cohesive enough to form a slab or it may remain loose and unconsolidated. Either way, it'll fall on 4-8" of existing weak snow that's resting on a firm crust.  Even if you don't find cohesive slabs of new snow, you could still trigger small loose avalanches above the crust. On the highest above treeline slopes, you may be able to trigger avalanches in small pockets where both east and west wind stiffened the recent snow. If you manage to find these, they'll be limited to immediately on the leeward sides of ridges and terrain features.

    Example of shooting cracks in recent snow.

Avalanche Discussion

Observers in the Stevens Pass area reported minor loose snow avalanches the past few days. On Sunday, avalanche workers triggered small point releases on steep slopes up to size D1 and 20cm deep. On Saturday, an observer reported a handful of small, natural loose dry avalanches from both southeast and northeast aspects near and above treeline. Surface hoar was found throughout the zone on Saturday. It likely has mixed in with other weak snow resting on a rain crust from the 8-9th. The early season snowpack that was looking healthy for November has shrunk down in early December and melted quite a bit, so early-season hazards should be expected. Keep an eye out for open creeks, talus fields, buried logs, and small trees.

During the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, continue to follow the latest guidance from local, state, and federal health officials. Avoid unnecessary risks that could impact first responders and stress medical resources.  Wear a mask when appropriate, practice social distancing, and consider recreating closer to home.

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