Stevens Pass

The primary avalanche problem Friday will continue to be loose wet avalanches, especially in areas receiving the greatest rain, such as the volcanoes, from Mt Baker to Mt Rainier.

Mild temperatures and moderate to high snow levels will prevail again on Friday with light rain developing mainly over the northwest WA Cascades and spreading to the central areas.  Only very light amounts of precipitation should reach the southern Washington Cascades Friday. 

Loose wet avalanches are possible Friday on steeper slopes near and above treeline that either receive enough rainfall, or in areas further south, solar aspects that receive substantial sun breaks.    

As a result of the overall low snowpack, especially below treeline, watch for terrain hazards such as open creeks, partially covered rocks and vegetation.

The latest warm and wet southwest flow directed to the Pacific Northwest brought several inches to around a foot of water to the west slopes last week; unfortunately it fell mostly as the clear type. This lead to more melt at lower elevations, making many slopes below treeline nearly snow free, regardless of aspect.   

About 5-12 inches of heavy snow accumulated  near and above treeline ending early Tuesday west of the crest based on weather station data and reports.

Signs of loose wet activity that began Tuesday was dampened by the extensive high cloud cover on Wednesday. Despite the continued warmth and high freezing levels, several NWAC observers along the west slopes Wednesday reported no avalanche activity in the below and near treeline zones. The most recent storm snow in the upper snowpack near treeline was reported as wet and well bonded to the previous rain crust.  No additional observations were received Thursday.

The mid and lower snowpack west of the crest should consist of layers of stable consolidated rounded grains or melt forms and crusts from multiple warm periods this winter.