Avalanche forecast

Stevens Pass

Northwest Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Thu
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired 5 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Think about the consequences of even a small slide before entering larger terrain. As another weather disturbance moves through with shifting winds, low-density snow may be easily transported into wind slabs. Keep your eyes peeled for indicators, like active wind transport and shooting cracks. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    Look for signs of recent and active wind drifted snow such as sharp drifts, small cornices, and wind rippled snow. Use caution, especially on very steep slopes that may have increased consequences if getting caught or carried by a small slide.  If you can observe areas that are freshly affected by wind, steer around them. You can check how the snow is reacting by using small, inconsequential test slopes before entering larger slopes. Watch for shooting cracks and recent avalanches as indicators of danger.

    We still have limited knowledge and confidence in the snowpack near and above treeline, and observers have noted sudden failures on a crust about 3ft down. If venturing up high, you might consider still avoiding complex and unsupported terrain because of this. Consider using snowpack tests to check for this potential failure layer. Larger, deeper avalanches may be unlikely, but they may not be out of the question.

    Drifts covering the skin track a few hours later are a sign that wind is drifting snow, and you could find wind slabs on steeper slopes. Photo: Matt Primomo

Avalanche Discussion

No new avalanches were reported from the zone on Tuesday. On Monday, an observer reported a small, but long-running loose avalanche in steep, unsupported terrain at Stevens Pass Resort (SE aspect at 5,400ft). Over the weekend, observers reported numerous avalanches running on layers within the recent snow. Most were small to large, and human-triggered slabs were reported as was a natural cycle. Saturday's avalanches were mainly wind slabs on leeward slopes. Sunday's reports included a mix of wind slabs and a number of shallow storm slabs on wind-sheltered slopes. 

Since December, 8th the Schmidt Haus recorded over 55" of snow with 4.5" of water equivalent. On slopes over 5,000ft, a stout crust (formed in late November) is at the bottom of the snowpack. The December 8th crust rests just above that, is intermittent up to at least 6,200ft, and is often translucent. Observers reported variable tests on both crusts including some sudden planar results. While we haven't confirmed avalanches on these crusts in this zone, they're worth considering before committing to complex and unsupported terrain.

Uphill travel reminder: Check in with your local ski area this weekend regarding terrain access and parking updates. For the SPMR uphill hotline call 206-812-7847. Closed ski areas often share a similar snowpack and avalanche hazard as the surrounding backcountry. You may also encounter other hazards like active avalanche mitigation, unmarked obstacles, snowmobiles, groomers, and other heavy equipment as ski areas prepare to open. Be prepared to make your own assessments and handle emergency situations.

Regions covered