Avalanche forecast

Stevens Pass

Northwest Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Easterly winds may create fresh, shallow slabs near and above treeline. Look for snow surface textures that indicate recently drifted snow, and use caution around these features on steep slopes. Cornices are large, keep away from these overhead hazards. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Easterly winds may create fresh, shallow slabs near and above treeline in exposed locations. Look for snow surface texture that indicates recent slab development, such as rippled and wavy surfaces. Check for signs that you could trigger an avalanche such as shooting cracks and feeling for punchy, or hollow sounding drifts. Steer around the edge of cross loaded gullies, unsupported roll-overs, and other drifted features on steep slopes. These are unlikely to be large, but assess their thickness and size as you travel. 

    Cornices may be large from the long storm cycle last week. Give them a wide berth and make sure to keep your distance by staying off of, and out from underneath these overhead hazards.  

    Wind features at the top of Highlands Bowl outside of Stevens Pass Mountain Resort on Jan 3rd. Photo: Josh Hirshberg

Avalanche Discussion

Observers reported shallow, reactive wind slabs above Lake Valhalla on Saturday. Small surface hoar was noted near Yodelin, and on the 8th another layer of small surface hoar may have been buried by a few inches of fresh snow. While these layers are not a problem at the moment, it is something worth having a look for in the upper 5" of snow. Last week, a series of storms finishing on January 6th brought about 6.5" of snow water equivalent to the Schmidt Haus weather station.  Avalanches ran throughout the last week up to size D3. The most recent avalanches were point releases on steep, sunny slopes on Wednesday and Thursday. Slab avalanches within the storm snow occurred throughout the week, but especially on the 2nd, 3rd, and 5th. Back on the 1st, wet avalanches occurred after a rain event to about 5,000ft.

The snowpack has shown substantial settlement since the 6th, and observers have seen snowpack tests show a trend towards improving conditions. 

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.

Regions covered