Avalanche forecast

Stevens Pass

Northwest Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago.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

Highlights

You may be able to trigger avalanches on very steep slopes or unsupported, rocky features where the wind has formed stiff slabs of snow at upper elevations. Steer around steep slopes where you find wind-stiffened snow that rests over a weak, punchy layer or slides easily on a crust. Warm temperatures, wet snow, and light rain will moisten snow surfaces at low elevations. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Avoid steep slopes and rocky, unsupported terrain where you find stiff wind-drifted slabs of snow. If you see warning signs like cracks shooting through the snow, move to lower-angle terrain. You can use your pole or probe to feel for the stiff surface slabs and with underlying, softer snow just above the early February crust. 

    Ongoing winds and a poor snowpack structure have kept avalanches a lingering concern at upper elevations. You're not going to trigger these avalanches everywhere or even on all leeward slopes. You may have to find just the right weak spot or the right combination of wind-stiffened slabs and a poor bond to the underlying snow to trigger them. Quickly digging or using tests on small, inconsequential slopes can help you identify the structure and tell you how easily the upper layers could slide on the crust.

    (2/13/2024)

    Skiers triggered a slab avalanche (D1.5) at upper elevations on 2/13.  Jim Hill, NE, 6,500ft

Avalanche Discussion

Expect another day of warm temperatures and light precipitation with rain at low elevations. Below 4,500ft, the snow surface could be moist and soft. We don't expect significant hazards from wet snow. However, if you do see rollerballs sliding down-slope in wet snow, be ready to move to lower-angle terrain. 

On Monday, forecasters went to Jim Hill and found stubborn wind slabs at upper elevations. They found a layer of weak snow just above the early February crust, about 1 1/2 ft deep. A ski cut on a steep, northerly slope caused cracking down to the crust. See the photos below. 

Many observers have reported variable and highly wind-affected snow conditions, while there are still sheltered areas where light, dry snow exists. The snow cover is shallow. Travel carefully to avoid hitting exposed rocks or falling in holes, especially at mid and lower elevations.   If you get out, please help us by submitting an observation.

Regions covered