Stevens Pass

The avalanche conditions are generally safe.  Watch for a chance of small wet avalanches on steep sunny slopes. Keep plenty of space between you and any cornices or slopes with glide cracks.

Even with LOW avalanche danger, continue to stay alert to typical early spring conditions. If you find wet, weak surface snow, consider moving to slopes less than 35 degrees. Put plenty of space between where you travel and overhead and nearby cornices. Stay away from snow-covered rock slabs and slopes with crevasse-like cracks in the snow. A number of large glide avalanches occurred Saturday in the nearby Snoqualmie Pass Zone. Widening glide cracks have been observed around Stevens Pass and all throughout the Cascades over the past few weeks. The best way to avoid glide avalanches is to stay off of and out from under suspect slopes. 

Snow totals on Sunday were an inch or less. The last major storm ended on 3/29 and left about 15in of new snow on the pass. Wet loose avalanche activity has been the primary concern the past few days with warming temperatures and sunshine. Wednesday and Thursday were the most active, with many small wet loose avalanches along with one large wet loose avalanche on Lichtenberg (see photo below and this observation). This one gouged down into older snow layers and even had a couple of small trees in the debris pile. The snowpack is currently strong and well settled, although a layer of facets above a crust from mid-January created widespread deep slab avalanches through February. The last deep slab activity occurred over one month ago, and the layer is now dormant or inactive, but it will stay on our radar for the remainder of the season. 

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.