Avalanche forecast

Stevens Pass

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Old, dry snow and a couple inches falling during the day Monday could leave us with small wind drifted pockets at mid and upper elevations which you might be able to trigger an avalanche in.  They may not be large enough to bury you, but in high consequence terrain they could take you for a dangerous ride especially as more snow falls later in the day. On all aspects aside from north, crusts formed on Sunday, making travel challenging. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    After our first bluebird "warm" day in weeks, we're right back into another April winter storm. The Stevens Pass Zone is only expected to get one or two inches by the end of the day. Small drifts which already formed at upper elevations may continue to grow a little larger with the additional snow.  You're most likely to find drifted areas on the leeward slopes near ridges, in gullies, and around rocky outcroppings. A four-inch thick wind slab was reported near the top of Mt Lichtenburg on Sunday, propagating 20 feet in both directions from the skier who found it. This may not be too concerning, but if you're in high consequence terrain it could still take you for a scary ride. 

    Search for signs of wind loading by feeling for firmer, thicker snow beneath you. Visually hunt for clues such as textured or featured snow surfaces and actively blowing snow. Don't ignore obvious signs such as cracking. If you encounter thicker drifts, steer around slopes greater than 35 degrees. You're likely to find wind slabs most reactive at exposed higher elevations, but they could reach down into near treeline elevations as well. 

    (3/20/2022)

    Small wind slab avalanche, intentionally triggered beneath a ridgeline on Lichtenberg Mtn (NE at 5,600ft). You might find something similar to this on Sunday, although probably at higher elevations. 

    Photo: Ryan Minton

Avalanche Discussion

Warmer temperatures in below treeline areas mean you'll find moist snow. It probably won't get wet enough to slide, but if you start noticing any rollerballs or small slides coming down, avoid steep nearby slopes. All aspects aside from north moistened on Sunday, and at mid to upper elevations you'll find a crust on those aspects. You probably won't encounter wind slabs on the aspects where a crust is under the small amount of new snow, but make sure to evaluate as you travel in case you find thicker drifts of new snow. This crust could also make for less enjoyable surfaces for travel. 

Although new snow amounts are relatively shallow, there could be buried surface hoar from earlier in the week, and possibly a faceted layer as well. This could mean that small slabs could be more reactive. It might not be the case on Monday, but with additional snowfall and slab development the slabs may become more touchy. 

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