Avalanche forecast

Stevens Pass

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 9 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

A blustery, warm storm will build fresh slabs of snow at upper and middle elevations and create wet, weak snow below 5,500ft. You can trigger these avalanches, and they may even run naturally where the wind drifts the new snow at upper elevations. Plan options to travel on slopes less than 35 degrees, and stay out from under steep overhead terrain. 

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

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

    Watch for recent avalanches, cracks shooting through the snow, and active wind transport as signs that you could trigger avalanches in the new snow on slopes steeper than 35 degrees. You can use quick snowpack tests and small, inconsequential test slopes to see how easily the new snow slides.Steep slopes with 6" or more of new snow could be a concern. The most dangerous areas will be at upper elevations and on leeward sides of ridges, where strong winds will drift the new snow into deeper slabs. Stay off of and out from under slopes over 35 degrees where you suspect avalanches could start in the new snow.

    (11/28/2025)

    A partially covered old slab avalanche that likely occurred naturally in late November. SS-N-R2-D2. Rock Mtn, E, 6,500ft

    Photo: Katie Warren

  • Loose Wet

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

    Wet avalanches will be most concerning at middle elevations where more snow existed before the current storm. Rain will fall to 5,000ft or higher, weakening the snow. Watch for recent avalanches, rollerballs, or wet, uncohesive snow as indicators that you could trigger one of these slides. If you see these clues, move to slopes under 35 degrees. 

    (11/28/2025)

    Rollerballs and very small wet loose avalanches running on steep, sunny slopes

    Photo: Katie Warren

Avalanche Discussion

It's still early, and the snowpack is just beginning to build. Expect challenging travel at low elevations and watch for rocks, logs, and open creeks. The difficult travel has also limited information. If you venture out in the storm, be prepared to make observations and snowpack assessments. Watch for the "red flag" indicators of recent avalanches, rain on dry snow, rapid new snow accumulation, and others mentioned above. The current storm will bring a mix of rain and snow with fluctuating temperatures and strong winds. The big question is how much precipitation will accumulate as snow versus rain. Keep checking the Mountain Weather forecast for the latest.With the warm start to the 25-26 winter season, we have less snowpack information than usual to start daily forecast operations. For zones and elevation bands with less snow than needed for avalanche hazard, we will issue a forecast with No Rating. Anticipated avalanche and weather conditions will still be updated daily. NWAC will issue an avalanche danger rating for a zone when enough snow to produce avalanches has accumulated at middle and upper elevations.

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