Avalanche forecast

Stevens Pass

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

You may be able to trigger small avalanches at upper elevations. Shifting wind and light snow will continue to drift fresh slabs above treeline. You'll find shallow recent snow totals at middle an lower elevations.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    You may be able to trigger shallow wind slab avalanches on leeward slopes. Winds have shifted between southeast and southwest over the past three days.  Triggered avalanches will be small, and you can avoid them by steering around pillows and drifts on slopes steeper than 35 degrees. You may be able to trigger avalanches easily on steep, southeast through southwest aspects where the new snow rests on slick crusts. Use caution on these aspects at all elevations and check how easily the snow slides before committing to bigger terrain.

    (1/4/2023) Moderate easterly winds caused small amounts of transport on ridgelines. Photo: Irene Henninger

Avalanche Discussion

On Thursday, an observer just east of the zone, on Dirtyface Mountain reported 3-5" of new snow that slid easily on slick crusts. They also found shallow, fresh wind slabs on west aspects near ridges. Below snow lder snow surfaces are variable. You may find:

  • Wind-stiffened snow from wind events starting on Dec 28th
  • Shallowly buried frozen roller balls and sun crusts on steeper sun-exposed slopes
  • Buried rime near and above treeeline
  • Very thin, patchy crusts below treeline and in valley bottoms from valley fog and light freezing rain on Jan 3-4th
  • Buried facets and surface hoar on sheltered, shaded slopes.  These have often transformed in combination with the other surfaces mentioned.

Regions covered