Avalanche forecast

Stevens Pass

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

If you were to find an avalanche, it would probably be where the wind created a small slab that reacts to the weight of a person. Look for signs of wind loading like cornices, scoured ridgelines, and stiffer, wind-drifted snow. Sparse, early-season snow cover can still be found at all elevations.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1

    There have been no observations of reactive wind slab around Stevens Pass, but there is enough snow and just enough wind you might find one if you look hard enough. Getting caught in a small wind slab could still result in getting pushed into a terrain trap or dragged across rocks, stumps, etc. 

    You are most likely to find this problem along upper-elevation ridgelines, in complex terrain like gullies and couloirs, below cliff bands, or on steep, unsupported slopes. Look for and assess wind-drifted snow as you gain elevation or change aspects.  If you observe more wind than forecast, be prepared to find fresh, reactive slabs that will take a more conservative strategy to navigate safely

    A scoured or rippled snow surface is a clue you could find wind slab nearby.

     

Avalanche Discussion

Stevens Pass should see more sun but slightly cooler temperatures for Friday. Avoid being on or directly under steep slopes if you observe signs of instability like rollerballs and very small avalanches. You are most likely to see these below cliffs and steep treed terrain that shed snow with warming. 

On Thursday, an NWAC Forecaster at Skyline found 3’ of snow over the ground at 5300’. Wind effect was minimal in this area and no reactive wind slab was found. The sun had limited effect on the snow surface at midday and good riding conditions were found on south aspects. This may have changed by the end of the day, with continued sun exposure and slightly warmer temperatures. On Wednesday, an observer touring within the closed ski area found stronger winds beginning to build soft slabs up to 6” thick. Test slopes yielded no results.

No human-triggered avalanches were reported from the Stevens Pass backcountry in the last few days. That being said, early season observations are limited, especially at higher elevations. Lower elevations still harbor obstacles such as exposed or subtly buried stumps, rocks, and creeks. 

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