Avalanche forecast

Stevens Pass

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Around two feet of snow fell since Saturday, and most avalanches occurred within the new snow layers, a foot or less deep. Especially in upper elevation wind-affected terrain, avalanches can still occur on Monday, possibly deeper than what was seen on Sunday. Pay attention to surface clues such as cracking and stiffer snow surfaces, and avoid steep slopes in areas where you encounter these conditions.

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

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

    Human triggered storm slab avalanches occurred Sunday.  Human triggered loose dry avalanches occurred, and natural loose dry avalanches happened during the storm. These avalanches were mainly within the top foot or less of the new snow.  Minimal information is known about above treeline areas from Sunday, and we're uncertain how reactive the storm snow layers are if you travel to those elevations Monday.  You could still trigger avalanches breaking as storm slabs, but at upper elevations where terrain is more wind-affected, you may find it easier to trigger larger avalanches. The wind slabs may also be covered with non-wind affected snow, so if you travel up high make sure to investigate a few feet down for weak interfaces before committing to a slope. 

    Pay attention to clues such as cracking as you travel. Use small test slopes to see whether shallower layers of snow easily break off. Look for signs of wind loading such as textured surfaces, pillow-like layers or firmer feeling snow. When you encounter any of these characteristics, avoid traveling on nearby steep slopes. 

    (2/20/2022) A very  small skier triggered slab avalanche on Sunday- inconsequential on this slope, but more concerning on larger, more consequential slopes. Photo: Jeff Rich

Avalanche Discussion

Sun breaks are expected Monday, and small wet loose avalanches might occur on south-facing slopes. Pay attention to sky cover, and if the sun starts shining through, you may see rollerballs or small wet loose avalanches running in the new snow- especially from steep, rocky areas. Avoid traveling through these areas if you encounter snow naturally running on these steep, south-facing slopes. 

 

 

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