Avalanche forecast

Stevens Pass

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 8 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

You can trigger avalanches where significant snow and wind build stiff drifted slabs. Actively blowing snow, shooting cracks, and recent avalanches are sure signs of the increasing hazard. Steer around steep slopes below ridgelines where these drifts are most likely to form.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Actively blowing snow and cornices are a great way to identify wind-loaded slopes. The most suspect terrain will be steep slopes below ridgelines, confined rocky gullies, and the base of cliffs. As you travel higher into the terrain, wind slabs will be larger and easier to trigger. If you see natural avalanches, long shooting cracks, or the snow feels hollow, you should head towards low-angle slopes or wind-sheltered terrain. 

    The wind formed slabs on Friday. It will increase Friday night before tapering on Saturday. If you don't see active blowing snow, look for evidence of fresh slabs and drifts. The gusty nature of the winds may keep new slabs to the upper elevations or just below ridges. 

    Example photo: Wind drifted snow around features like rock outcroppings, where it's more likely you can trigger an avalanche. Note the wind transported snow visible in this photo. 

Avalanche Discussion

Saturday will bring another 6-10" of low-density snow with gusty winds. Expect cold temperatures and clearing. You may see isolated loose avalanches on very steep, sun-exposed slopes. On Friday morning, Stevens Pass ski patrol triggered loose dry avalanches on a recent crust. By afternoon, the wind increased, and ski patrol reported natural slab avalanches on leeward slopes. A thin crust formed from warm temperatures on the 24th. It can be found about 1 foot below the surface, up to 5,800ft. 

Since December 24th, Stevens Pass has picked up 3-5" of water and nearly doubled our snow depths. A stout melt freeze crust from December 18th is likely buried 2-4' deep. We have no observations from the upper elevations, but themiddle and lower snowpack likely has different layering there. Professional avalanche workers noted some signs of instability on this melt-freeze crust. No large avalanches have been reported on this layer, but poor visibility and closed access create significant uncertainty. To mitigate this increased uncertainty, 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?"

Access to the Stevens Pass zone is closed via both sides of Highway 2 due to road damage. When you add recent power outages and bare bones observations, we have very limited information about the snowpack.  Please be patient while WSDOT crews work to reopen the highway.

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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