Avalanche forecast

Stevens Pass

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 years ago.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

Stay alert for lingering wind slab avalanches at upper elevations after the foot of snow that fell Wednesday night. Search for wind affected pockets and avoid those areas on slopes steeper than 35 degrees. Pay attention to snow surfaces getting moist at lower elevations or on sunny slopes, and avoid steep terrain when you find those conditions.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    We may get some sun breaks and temperatures could warm enough that small wet loose avalanches could occur. Feel for snow surfaces getting moist, and watch for indicators of the snow surface losing strength such as rollerballs. When this starts happening move to shadier slopes or lower angle terrain without steeper slopes above you.

    An example of small rollerballs coming down a slope as the surface gets wet, a precursor to wet loose avalanches possibly occurring.

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Stevens Pass received around a foot of snow Wednesday night. Small slab and loose snow avalanches were easily triggered in the new snow. Conditions will become more stable on Friday, but it is still possible to trigger a wind slab avalanche in isolated upper elevation pockets. Feel for stiffer snow and identify wind-textured surfaces or pillows of fresh snow. You are most likely to find them in gullies, around features or beneath rock bands. If you notice these characteristics stay off slopes greater than 35 degrees in nearby areas. 

    (3/22/2021) A human triggered slab avalanche which occurred a few weeks ago on Tye Peak, failing on the new snow/old snow interface.

Avalanche Discussion

Unsettled springtime weather adds more challenges to predicting avalanches. Even a small burst of sunlight or high thin overcast clouds may add enough warmth for the snow to get wet, heavy, or cause wet loose avalanches. Keep the possibility of quickly changing snow conditions in mind when you travel in the backcountry. 

Beneath the recent storm snow most surfaces are spring melt-freeze layers, aside from upper elevation north aspects where dry snow is present under the new snow. On the southerly half, the top couple feet or more of snow is wet and a few notable crusts are present. 

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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