Avalanche forecast

Stevens Pass

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

On Monday, expect calm weather with a chance for filtered sun. You may be able to trigger shallow slab avalanches in where the wind drifted stiffer slabs of snow at upper elevations. Loose avalanches are possible, especially on steep, sun-exposed slopes.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Watch for patterns of drifting to point out the more dangerous leeward and loaded slopes. You can use a probe or pole to feel for deeper, stiffer drifts of snow. Steer around steep convexities and pillowed drifts on wind-loaded slopes. You can always choose safer terrain at lower elevations or on wind-sheltered slopes.

    Both east and west winds formed drifts in the past few days. Avalanches will be bigger and easier to trigger above treeline. Pay close attention to which terrain features got loaded by the wind. While east winds were most recent (through Sunday), westerly loading patterns may be more dominant at many upper-elevation slopes.

    (3/3/2023)

    A natural slab avalanche occurred in the recent snow Friday afternoon on a leeward and sun-exposed slope. Highlands Bowl, SE, 5,600ft

    Photo: Stevens Pass Ski Patrol

  • Loose Dry

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

    In many sheltered areas, you may still be able to trigger small avalanches on steep slopes. Loose, uncohesive snow could slide below your feet or machine. You may see natural wet avalanches on steep, sun-exposed east through south through west aspects. Be cautious in very steep terrain near rocks, cliffs, tight gullies, and other terrain traps. If loose avalanches are particularly forceful or fast, take care to stay out of them and not be below the moving snow.

    (2/28/2023)

    An example of small loose avalanches in the neighboring East Central zone.

    Photo: Matt Primomo

Avalanche Discussion

Saturday and Sunday brought some wind transport and freshly formed wind slabs in specific terrain affected by east wind immediate to the Highway 2 corridor and upper Nason creek. On Sunday, a rider triggered a small slab avalanche on a leeward slope in Highlands Bowl. On Friday, observers reported a similar natural slab avalanche, about 10" deep, also in the afternoon in Highlands Bowl (SE, 5,600ft, 2-3p) on a leeward and sun-exposed slope.

Last Tuesday, two triggered avalanches may have stepped into deeper layers, running about 2 feet deep on a crust buried around Valentine's Day. We haven't received more recent reports of avalanches on deeper layers, and snowpack tests are generally showing that layers in the upper snowpack are well-bonded.

Regions covered