Stevens Pass

Use normal caution in the backcountry - carry rescue gear, travel one at a time through avalanche terrain, and watch for signs of instability.Watch out for pockets of wind-drifted snow on exposed slopes if heading up into the alpine. Low snow conditions persist and travel can be difficult at lower and mid-elevations.

While unlikely, you could still see cliffs and rock slabs shed snow at elevations where above-freezing temperatures persist. Look for and stay out from under glide cracks or snow clinging onto very steep, rugged terrain overhead. 

An NWAC Forecast team in the vicinity of Union and Jove peaks found soft, wet snow and decent riding conditions on aspects warmed by the sun. Shaded aspects stayed cool and sported a few inches of dry snow over crust. Riding conditions were all around better than expected, but thin snow cover made for difficult travel below 4500’. No new avalanches were reported.

The last snowfall was Thursday when 1-2" of snow accumulated. Around 5,000ft, there's roughly 3 feet snow on the ground. The entire snowpack was moist or previously wet, with crusts at the surface, down 6", and in the middle of the snowpack. Reports from Saturday were that the riding conditions have been improving as the surface crusts either soften with daytime warming, or have been breaking down (sublimating).

On Dec 9-10th, two feet of snow fell and was then capped by light rain up to at least 6000ft.  Snow surfaces cooled to form the breakable crust that you will now find on the surface.

Stevens Pass Ski Area is now open. Check uphill policies HERE.