Avalanche forecast

Stevens Pass

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

A chance for very large avalanches should keep you off of wind-loaded slopes above treeline. Steer around steep roll-overs where you find subtle drifts at mid elevations. Watch for triggering loose avalanches in steep, wind-sheltered terrain. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–3

    You're most likely to encounter small recent wind slab avalanches. There's a chance for very large, natural avalanches above treeline, similar to a few that were reported on Saturday (see below). This dangerous scenario requires conservative terrain selection. The best option is to avoid steep, leeward slopes at upper elevations and stay out from under large wind-loaded start zones. At mid-elevations, you may be able to stay safe by steering around convexities and unsupported features steeper than 35 degrees. You may find wind-drifted slabs from both east and west wind. Watch for blowing snow and the most recent slabs being formed from east winds.

    (3/11/2023) A very large (D3) natural avalanche on Rock Mtn. Estimated 6-10ft deep, 500ft wide and ran apx 1800 vertical feet. Likely occurred 3/10. 6,750ft, NE-NW. Photo: Ryan Minton

Avalanche Discussion

You may be able to trigger small loose avalanches in wind-sheltered terrain near and below treeline. These avalanches should be minimal and not of consequence. As always, use caution around terrain traps, like cliffs, rocks, or gullies, where a normally benign fall could be dangerous.

On Saturday, observers reported a couple of very notable avalanches. A very large D3 natural avalanche occurred on the north side of Rock Mtn, likely on Friday or Friday night.  The crown was at 6,750ft, NE-NW, estimated at 6-10ft deep, 500ft wide and it ran approximately 1800 vertical feet. Two similar D3 avalanches were reported above treeline on Cannon Mtn in the neighboring East Central zone. We haven't been able to get snowpack information from these or similar locations above treeline for much of the season. Due to the uncertainty, it's best to use extra caution at upper elevations. 

Between 2/28-3/6 we received a few reports of triggered avalanches that likely ran on the crust buried around Valentine's day. Also on the 6th, observers near the White Pine drainage experienced a whumph and found propagating test results, likely the same crust 2.5 feet below the surface. On March 7th, Matt Primomo checked out the most recent of the avalanches on a southerly aspect below Skyline Lake. You can find examples of both observations below. 

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