Avalanche forecast

Stevens Pass

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago.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

Highlights

You could trigger avalanches in wind affected snow at higher elevations. Search for drifts near features and ridgelines, and feel for stiffer snow to identify where wind slabs are. Avoid these wind loaded areas on slopes steeper than 35 degrees.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    If you find a pocket of wind loaded snow you could trigger an avalanche, failing down to the Jan 24 crust. The crust is now buried up to a foot deep in areas where it is not wind affected. At higher elevations where wind has redistributed the snow it could lie deeper. Pillows and wind sculpted drifts are good indicators that a wind slab is present. Stay aware as you travel through light fluffy snow and then notice as it become thicker and heavier.  Watching and feeling for changes in the snow are great indicators for finding wind slabs.  

    In some locations, these wind slabs could overly weak snow grains above the crust. In areas where this exists, you could produce larger and more surprising avalanches. You will likely need to dig with your hand or a shovel to check for these persistent grains. Plenty of uncertainty surrounds this persistent weak layer and may warrant an added degree of caution. For this reason, avoid wind drifted slopes in areas that are steeper than 35 degrees.

    (1/28/2021) A skier remotely triggered this wind slab (D1) on the east face of Tye Peak near 5200ft Thursday. The crown was 20-25ft across and 6-18 inches deep. Photo: Marc Simonpietri

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    We will see the sun for the first time in a while on Wednesday.  On sunny slopes with low density snow expect wet loose avalanches to occur as the snow warms. You will see them in steep areas, especially near rocky outcroppings. They usually start as rollerballs coming down a slope, but may soon escalate to a small avalanche fanning out in the top few inches of the snow. 

    These avalanches will probably remain small enough to not cause harm, unless you are in a gully or pushed into trees, rocks, or are above a cliff. Pay attention to the snow as you travel on Wednesday. When you start noticing it becoming moist and heavy, avoid steep terrain on sunny slopes and retreat to shady aspects. 

    Watch out for wet loose avalanches like this when the sun starts heating the snow. Photo: Zach McGill

Avalanche Discussion

If you're traveling on the eastern boundary of the Steven’s zone take a look at the East Central Forecast, where the snowpack is different and persistent slab avalanches are a concern.  The snow may be more similar to that zone depending on how close you are to the boundary. 

At lower elevations the snow conditions are variable, with icy, bumpy surfaces and plenty of downed trees and branches. Use caution while moving through lower elevation terrain.   

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.

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