Avalanche forecast

Stevens Pass

Northwest Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
3 · Considerable
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Snowfall picked up again after a brief reprieve Wednesday into Thursday. You can trigger avalanches in the new snow, whether it is on Wednesday’s interface, or possibly a foot or more deeper, especially in wind loaded areas. Steer around slopes steeper than 35 degrees, and avoid prolonged exposure to terrain beneath large avalanche paths.  

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

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

    Your greatest avalanche concern lies in areas with thicker and more reactive slabs which developed with wind loading. Keep an eye out for wind-affected snow which appears pillow-like or textured, and feels hollow or stiffer. Wind is forecasted to stay active into Friday morning, which you will especially notice along ridgelines. The wind affected snow will avalanche easier than non-wind affected snow. 

    Although wind slabs are of concern, several feet of snow in the last week contributed to avalanche problems on all steep slopes. You could trigger storm slab avalanches in the top couple feet of snow on one of the many interfaces. Loose dry avalanches could easily run in the new snow as well. Beware, as avalanches could run into lower elevation terrain including flatter slopes beneath. Avoid all slopes steeper than 35 degrees, and limit your time or avoid areas beneath large avalanche paths.

    (2/17/2021) A slab avalanche on Mt McCausland, which probably ran in the last 24 hours. South facing, 5400ft. SS-N-D2.5-S, The crown was at least 1000ft wide. Photo: Will Govus

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–3

    If you find a sweet spot, it is still possible that you could trigger an avalanche on the mid-January persistent weak layer, now buried 5-7 ft deep. 10 days have passed since the last known avalanche ran on this weak layer. With our recent new load and a lack of observations, continue being cautious of this layer while so much uncertainty is present. Stay well away from big, steep, and open slopes near and above treeline. Put a large buffer of terrain between where you travel and large avalanche paths, especially in wind-loaded areas.  

    (2/9/2021) Persistent slab avalanches that may have run naturally on an east aspect at around 4900ft in the Knox Creek drainage above Cle Elum Lake. These are suspected to have run on the mid-January crust later in the storm cycle of Feb 5-9th.

Avalanche Discussion

As of Thursday evening, 57 inches fell at Brooks weather station at Steven’s Pass Ski Area since February 12. A number of observers reported challenging travel conditions in such deep snow in the last few days. Tree well and deep snow immersion hazards are a serious problem with all the recent snow. Find out more about deep snow safety HERE. 

Fair weather on Wednesday allowed users to get out and see some of the avalanches which occurred in the last several days. We received reports of widespread avalanches from the previous day, ranging in size from D1-D2.5. WSDOT avalanche workers triggered multiple large and a couple of very large avalanches during control work early Tuesday morning. On Monday, an observer reported natural avalanches on steep southerly aspects below Skyline Lake. The short settled period helped strengthen recent storm layers, but with more wind and snow in the forecast expect avalanches to continue in the coming days. 

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.

Regions covered