Avalanche forecast

Stevens Pass

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

Snow and wind overnight may form shallow wind drifts where you could trigger an avalanche. A cooling temperature trend and light snowfall mean these avalanches are unlikely to be large or widespread. But watch for blowing snow or cracking in textured drifts as signs to steer around steep, rocky, or otherwise consequential terrain at upper elevations. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    A cooling trend will finally bring snow levels down into our middle elevations overnight. With fresh snow and winds, small wind slabs may form on the lee side of ridgelines and at the base of cliffs. We don't expect significant new snow, so avalanches will likely be small and isolated. But even small avalanches can carry high consequences in the wrong terrain. Actively blowing snow, deep drifts, and cornice formations are good indicators of wind-loaded slopes. If you observe cracks that shoot out in front of you, steer around steep slopes and consider choosing more conservative terrain. 

    (12/15/2024)

    Example photo: Cracking and a small avalanche in wind-textured snow, similar to what you might see on Sunday. 

    Photo: Ryan Minton

Avalanche Discussion

Saturday brought a mix of precipitation to Stevens Pass. Professionals in the area reported freezing rain, rain, and snow. Although some precipitation fell as snow, accumulations were light due to warm temperatures. We expect upper elevations may have picked up just 2-4".  Rain and high-elevation snow will continue overnight before tapering early Sunday morning. The tail end of the storm will also bring a welcome cooling trend, so hopefully, mid and upper elevations will enjoy a much-needed refresh of snow. Lower elevations will receive mostly rain, and surfaces may refreeze by morning due to cooling temperatures. 

There is a chance of sunbreaks on Sunday, and while we expect them to be short, there is significant uncertainty.  If you start to see rollerballs or the snow feels heavy and wet, consider shady or lower-angle terrain. 

Recently, NWAC forecasters and other professionals found about 10" of moist snow over the January 28th crust. The snowpack at mid and lower elevations is a layer cake of moist melt forms between multiple melt-freeze crusts. At upper elevations, a surface crust overlays moist melt forms down to the January 28th melt-freeze crust. We expect this cooling trend to begin freezing our saturated snowpack and don't have avalanche concerns below the most recent crust. 

Snow depths vary due to the lack of snow during January. Particularly on sunny slopes, you can find less than 3 feet of snow and patches of bare ground.  You can expect deeper coverage on the north half of the compass, with 6-8 feet of snow on the ground above 5,000ft. The mountains feature plenty of open holes, creeks, and exposed rocks. 

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