Avalanche forecast

Stevens Pass

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 8 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

We're in the midst of a multiday storm pattern. Heavy snow and fluctuating temperatures formed unstable slabs of snow where you could easily trigger a large avalanche. Steep, wind-drifted terrain below ridgelines or exposed alpine bowls are the likely places to trigger one of these slabs. Choose low-angle terrain in areas with deep wind-drifted snow or seek out wind-sheltered terrain for recreation. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    You could easily trigger large avalanches in steep wind-loaded terrain. Cracks that shoot out in front of you, recent avalanches, or actively blowing snow are signs of instability. Reduce your risk by avoiding steep terrain on lee slopes below ridgelines and the base of cliffs.  Recent snow totals are measured in feet and have been accompanied by strong winds. Wind slabs may rest over slick crusts formed in mid-December. If an avalanche breaks down to these crusts, they could be larger than expected, potentially greater than 3' deep.  Low-angle routes, wind-scoured slopes, or sheltered terrain often provide safer travel options. 

    With the HWY 2 closure, we haven't been able to access the area to actually investigate the snowpack. We expect there to be 2-3 feet of fresh snow above 4500ft, and another 10-15" of snow may fall overnight on Thursday with much colder temperatures. With no details on snowpack layering, storm slabs could linger in steep, sheltered locations. If you see signs of instability, default to low angle terrain. 

    We expect avalanches at lower elevations to be smaller, but they could take you for a nasty ride over rocks, stumps, and other obstacles. 

    (3/13/2025)

    Example of blowing snow forming deep drifts even in somewhat sheltered terrain. 

    Photo: Katie Warren

Avalanche Discussion

Weather stations are down due to power outages, staffing at Stevens Pass Ski Area is minimal, and the highway closure prevents access to the zone. The result is bare bones observations and almost no information about the snowpack. From our professional partners at Stevens Pass Ski Area and the surrounding zone's weather stations, we expect 3-4 feet of snow has accumulated over slick crusts from mid-December. We have no information about the bond to the underlying crust, and low overall forecast confidence. To mitigate this increased uncertainty, make frequent observations using quick hand-pit tests and take extra time before entering larger or more complex terrain. If you observe any red flag signs of instability, default to low-angle slopes. 

Despite increasing avalanche risk, avalanches remain a secondary concern to other issues facing the Stevens Pass zone. Highway 2 to Stevens Pass remains closed in both directions, with no estimated reopening date. Flooding, washouts, downed trees, and damage to major roads are more imminent concerns. Hopefully, this is the beginning of a pattern shift toward colder, snowier weather that will begin to fill in our low and mid-elevation bands. But we'll still need to be patient as WSDOT crews work tirelessly to reopen the highway.

The weather over the past few weeks has been extraordinary, with torrential rains, extreme winds, flooding, and landslides. Many communities are dealing with damage to homes, infrastructure, and businesses, stretching resources thin. These events have limited access to the mountains for all of us. State and local resources are working diligently to reduce the worst of these impacts. We can help by being respectful of local communities, obeying road closures, and heeding ski area uphill travel policies.

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