Avalanche forecast

Stevens Pass

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
3 · Considerable
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Highlights

Dangerous avalanche conditions exist as we’ve received several feet of snow and strong winds in the last week. Avoid traveling on slopes steeper than 35 degrees, and avoid the runouts beneath large avalanche paths.  

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    2

    Near and above treeline terrain is where your greatest avalanche concern lies, with thicker and more reactive slabs that developed from the wind. Search out wind affected snow with pillow-like or textured appearances, and a stiffer or hollow feeling. These slopes will avalanche easier with your added weight. At this time avoid all steep slopes by seeking out lower-angled wind sheltered terrain. Avalanches could also run into lower elevation areas and flatter slopes beneath, so limit your time or avoid the areas beneath those slopes as well. 

    You could trigger storm slab and loose snow avalanches that may run far and could still bury you. Failures occurred in the last several days on numerous recent storm interfaces from 6 inches to over two feet deep. Steer around convex rollovers and unsupported slopes even at lower elevations on Thursday. Avoid slopes steeper than 35 degrees at lower elevations also.  

    (2/17/2021) A natural slab avalanche on Mt McCausland, which probably ran in the last 24 hours. SS-N-D2.5-S, S, 5400ft. Possibly D3. The crown was at least 1000ft wide. Photo: Will Govus

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

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

    A heavy load from recent snow and wind has maintained the threat of very large deep persistent slabs. Just over a week has passed since the last known avalanche on the mid-January weak layer. With the new load and a lack of observations, enough uncertainty is present to keep this avalanche problem in mind. Continue to stay well away from big, steep, and open slopes near and above treeline. Put a large buffer of terrain between where you travel and large avalanche paths, especially in wind-loaded areas.  A layer of grainy, faceted snow above or around a crust that formed in mid-January is now buried 5-6 feet below the surface. Sudden and propagating snowpack tests on this layer can indicate the potential for an avalanche. 

    (2/7/2021) Skiers triggered a very large (D3) avalanche which partially buried 2 people on February 7th. The avalanche released on a NE aspect at 6,100ft on Jim Hill in the Stevens Pass zone.

Avalanche Discussion

Fifty seven inches of snow fell at the Brooks weather station at Steven's Pass since February 12.  On Tuesday, an observer reported "oppressive backcountry travel" and dangerous deep snow immersion hazard. Trail breaking was knee to shoulder deep with skis on. Tree well and deep snow immersion hazards are a serious problem with all the recent snow. Find out more about deep snow safety HERE. 

A brief reprieve in the weather on Wednesday allowed us to see the extent of recent avalanches before the next system moves in on Thursday. Several days of unsettled weather will continue, and the avalanche danger will remain elevated.  Avalanche professionals confirmed a widespread natural avalanche cycle occurred midday Tuesday. WSDOT avalanche workers triggered multiple large and a couple of very large avalanches during control work early Tuesday morning. On Monday, an observer reported many natural avalanches on steep southerly aspects below Skyline Lake. In the neighboring East Central zone, observers remotely triggered a very large avalanche on a south slope at 6,200ft. On Saturday, a large natural avalanche in the Old Faithful slide path hit Highway 2 near Stevens Pass after heavy snow and strong easterly winds bombarded the area.

During the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, continue to follow the latest guidance from local, state, and federal health officials. Avoid unnecessary risks that could impact first responders and stress medical resources.  Wear a mask when appropriate, practice social distancing, and consider recreating closer to home.

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