Stevens Pass

Use normal caution, and move off of steep slopes if you begin to sink into wet snow deeper than your ankle. Small loose wet avalanches could be triggered on steep slopes at lower elevation later in the day. Consider steering well around areas with difficult to predict overhead hazards, such as cornices and glide cracks. 

The pass picked up about 2" of snow on Sunday night with moderate south and westerly winds. North facing slopes in the open and at upper elevation still harbor agreeable riding conditions, with a mix of 'recycled powder' and wind-affected surfaces. Although the avalanche danger is Low, keep the following on your mind:

1. Snow surfaces will become soft and potentially moisten during the day, this could create small loose wet avalanches. Time your travels to avoid steeper slopes later in the day. Once you begin to sink into the snow surface past your ankle, or see rollerballs with moist snow, it's time to move on to a different aspect or less consequential slopes. We are showing Moderate below treeline for Thursday because it may rain to around 5,000ft, creating wet loose danger on many slopes that currently hold dry snow. 

2. Observers have been reporting sporadic cornice fall. There are also a number of glide cracks opening up. Consider avoiding going underneath or near these difficult to predict hazards as you enter bigger or more complex terrain.

3. There may be just enough new snow and wind for isolated wind slab avalanches in upper elevation terrain. Steer around areas that appear loaded and deeper on steep and consequential slopes. You can use small, wind loaded test slopes to check how the new snow is bonding to older surfaces. 

While deep persistent slab avalanches are dormant and unlikely, the snowpack structure can still be found in the zone. The mid-January crust-facet layer is now 8-9 feet below the surface and shows signs of strengthening. The last known deep slab avalanche in this zone was on March 1, and one was suspected in the West South zone on March 3. Major warming events later in spring and summer could trigger further rounds of avalanches on this layer. 

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.