Avalanche forecast

Stevens Pass

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

You're most likely to trigger an avalanche in wind-loaded pockets of new snow which could be around a foot deep. Look for clues of wind-drifted deposits in gullies, on rollovers and around terrain features, and feel for thicker drifts of snow. Steer around these wind slabs on steep slopes. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Even a few inches of snow was a welcome sight Wednesday after the previous days' rain. Wind redistributed snow into slabs around a foot deep at mid to upper elevations, and people were able to find and trigger avalanches in these small wind-loaded pockets.  Snow generally appeared to be right side up and well bonded in non wind-loaded areas, although be prepared to make your own assessment when traveling in non wind-loaded areas. Expect similar conditions on Thursday, although with the relatively warm temperatures and more time that has passed since the majority of these slabs formed, expect the slabs to be a little more difficult to trigger. Expect slabs to increase in size and reactivity as you gain elevation. 

    Search for wind slabs by paying attention to nearby terrain variations. Wind likely deposited thicker snow into gullies, around outcroppings, and rolls. Snow may have drifted on the sides of gullies and features in a crossloaded fashion, rather than right down the middle or directly beneath a rollover. These are slightly more unusual patterns than you might normally see. Thicker-looking pillows of snow could be good indicators that you've found a slab. Finally, pay attention to deeper or slightly stiffer feeling snow. If you trigger a slide and are carried over the variable underlying crust, the ride could be pretty rough. There might be enough snow to bury you if you're caught in a slide. If you find yourself entering a steep slope in the middle of a pocket, keep in mind that the slab could break above you and be sure to have formulated an escape plan beforehand. In areas where you find wind-loaded deposits, steer around them on slopes steeper than 35 degrees. 

    You can see the crown line of an avalanche just below the cornice in this photo. This area was most likely wind loaded. This is similar to what you will probably encounter on Thursday. 

    Photo: Matt Primomo

Avalanche Discussion

A couple inches of snow may fall Thursday, although it's not expected to increase the avalanche danger. A lingering concern due to the previous warm temperatures and rain is glide avalanches. They may still occur on large, steep slopes where smooth rock slabs or low lying vegetation were lubricated by the rain. If you see a glide crack overhead, avoid traveling beneath that area. 

Rain reshaped the landscape, and beneath the new snow layer you'll find a crust that will probably be supportable with flotation devices like boards or snowshoes but still may not be able to hold your weight on feet.  You could sink in up to your knees or more. As time passes with our slightly cooler temperatures, the crust will slowly continue to harden. Due to the unusual recent weather events, you're likely to encounter variable surfaces, creek holes, and other unexpected holes in the snow. Let us know how conditions were and if you saw any avalanches if you make it into the backcountry on Thursday by submitting an observation HERE. 

 

 

 

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