Avalanche forecast

Stevens Pass

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

With warm temperatures, there's a slight chance that snow could fall off of rocks and cliffs. Don't linger below these overhead hazards where they are exposed to the sun. In most places, traveling on firm, icy snow will be the main challenge. 

Avalanche Discussion

On most slopes, avalanches will be difficult to trigger. Aside from the normal hazards of winter backcountry travel, your two considerations will be:

  • There's a chance for wet avalanches in steep, sun-exposed E-S-W slopes and rocky terrain  
    • Stay out from under slopes with glide cracks or cornice-like chunks of snow that could fall off rocks or cliffs.
    • Snow surfaces will soften and melt, especially at middle and upper elevations above 4,500ft
    • If you find unstable wet snow, move to lower-angle or shaded terrain.
  • Slick, icy snow and crusts could cause you to slip and fall down the mountain.
    • Thick crusts exist on steep, southeast through southwest aspects.
    • Rough, frozen surfaces can be found in the trees, especially below 4,500ft.
    • Be prepared with ski crampons, crampons, and other traction equipment.

 

While there are considerations for Tuesday, any avalanches would be isolated. The sun will be the primary factor in warming the snow surface. Temperatures will be a bit warmer than Monday with inversions and cold air below about 4,500ft. Freezing levels will be up to 11,000ft. Clear skies will help surfaces re-freeze overnight. 

You can find a wide range of snow surfaces and travel conditions. East and west aspects have breakable crusts. On shaded slopes, surface facets are widespread, and pockets of large surface hoar can be found in typical locations. As mentioned above, many other slopes hold firm crusts. A recent rescue on the 22nd highlights the challenging and potentially dangerous, icy conditions. A group of skiers were rescued near Union Peak after sustaining injuries from sliding falls.  

On Sunday, NWAC forecasters in the Stevens zone reported decent skiing on steep southern slopes that softened in the sun and great recycled powder riding on shady terrain. Sun crusts were around an inch thick on due south slopes and supportable to skis. Slopes began to soften around 11 am, but it wasn't warm enough for any wet loose avalanche activity. The snowpack on sheltered northerly aspects is weakening, and surface hoar is widespread in valley bottoms and shady slopes. The upper snowpack consists of a layer of surface hoar buried by a dusting of snow over about 1ft of surgery facets resting over the 1/10 melt-freeze crust. Solar aspects hold a series of crusts and weak layers in the top 6" to 1 foot. The next storm is in sight and may bury a range of layers by the weekend.

If you get out in the mountains, let us know what you see by submitting an observation HERE or via the Avy App. 

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