Avalanche forecast

Stevens Pass

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

It will be possible to trigger a large avalanche in wind deposited snow throughout the day. As the day progresses, the chances of triggering a small avalanche in snow weakened by the sun increases. Use terrain to your advantage and find lower angle, sheltered slopes if you see cracking/collapsing in dry snow, or observe recent loose and slab avalanches that released in steep terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    The likelihood of triggering a wind slab avalanche is trending lower. Unfortunately, that also means it becomes harder to find signs of instability. As the weather gives way to calm, sunny skies and slabs stiffen, you won't see as many red flag warning signs, such as blowing snow or cracking. You can still use surface and terrain clues to point you to where slabs previously formed. Look for textured surfaces and cornices, and feel for density changes to the snow underneath you. Wind slabs often form just below ridgelines, cliffs, and within exposed gullies. Fortunately, there will be plenty of new snow to play in on lower-angle, sheltered slopes.

    Upper elevation ridgelines will continue to see wind of a gusty nature on Sunday. Any snow still available for transport could get picked up and form very small fresh slabs higher up in terrain.

    (4/1/2025)

    Example photo showing clear signs of wind transported snow common along ridges. They help identify local wind patterns and anticipate possible wind slabs.

    Photo: Dallas Glass

  • Loose Wet

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

    Although not particularly dangerous, keep your head up for small loose avalanches releasing due to warming. Chunks of snow falling from trees and sticky surfaces are your first clues that the snowpack is weakening. Take some care as you move through cliffy terrain, as one could knock you down and carry you over cliffs and rocks. The snow on lower elevation slopes that remains covered by valley fog will stay cold and dry, keeping the likelihood low.

    (12/27/2025)

    As the day warmed up, new, low density snow was easily easily weakened by the sunshine on Saturday in the East North. Anticipate similar conditions in Steven's on Sunday.

    Photo: Adam Butterfield

Avalanche Discussion

Steven's Pass has more than doubled its snowpack since Christmas Eve. The zone received another 7-17 inches of light, fluffy snow on Friday night into Saturday. There are two known crusts in the snowpack at middle and lower elevations; one buried 2.5-5 feet deep that formed on 12/18, and one buried about 1-1.5 feet that formed on 12/24. Professional avalanche workers have noted some instability on the older crust but have not observed any large avalanches on it. This could be due to a lack of observations. The newer crust was the bed surface for at least two explosive-triggered avalanches on Saturday. Numerous natural wind slab and loose dry avalanches were also observed on Saturday. We have no observations from upper elevations; it may have different layering from lower and middle elevations.

Only some flurries are forecasted for Saturday night before high pressure moves in to dominate the region on Sunday. Don't be fooled by how cold and socked in it will be at the trailhead, it's going to be starkly different in the alpine. The weather change will easily influence all of the low density new snow sitting on the surface. Where it does remain cold lower down, the snow will be slower to settle, and you may still be able to trigger small loose dry avalanches. 

WSDOT announced a portion of Hwy 2 on the east side will reopen on Monday. Tumwater Canyon and the west side will remain closed. This, as well as power outages and limited public observations have left us with less information than usual about the snowpack. As the pass becomes more accessible, account for this uncertainty and exercise patience with all crews working to reopen the area. Make frequent observations on many small test slopes.  Before you step into new terrain, take extra time to stop and think, "What could happen if you get caught in an avalanche here?"

State and local resources are working diligently to reduce the impacts of destructive storms that occurred earlier this month. We can help by respecting affected communities, complying with road closures, and adhering to ski area uphill travel policies.

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