Avalanche forecast

Stevens Pass

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

After several inches of rain and snow, Thursday will bring moderate temperatures with light precipitation. There's still a chance that you could trigger avalanches in very steep terrain. Continue to give the snowpack time to freeze and stay well out from under snow-covered rock slabs and cornices.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2

    If you find any wet, unsupportive snow, stick to slopes under 35 degrees. Until the snowpack has time to freeze, wet avalanches will be of concern. Additionally, you might see cornices sag or fall. Don't linger under cornices, large slopes, or precariously hanging blocks of snow. There's a good chance that travel conditions may pose a greater hazard than avalanches on Thursday. 

    (3/31/2024)

    An example of a wet loose avalanche from last season

    Photo: Katie Warren

Avalanche Discussion

A major storm left the zone reeling from 3.25" of water equivalent (at least 1" as rain or freezing rain) and strong winds. A widespread cycle of avalanches occurred on Tuesday night into Wednesday. Many avalanches were loose wet of size D1-2 with a few observations of slab avalanches up to D2.5.

Stevens Pass Patrol reported that a freezing rain crust capped the snowpack and prevented water from saturating the snow. Below 4,000ft, there was evidence of more rain-soaked snow.  Near ridgetops, especially at upper elevations, you may find drier, wind-drifted slabs. The storm made travel difficult with thick crusts and rushing creeks. The challenge of just getting to the mountains limited traffic. With the lack of observations, it's difficult to accurately say what you will find out there. Be ready to make your own snowpack assessments.

Regions covered