Avalanche forecast

Stevens Pass

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Use general caution, and be mindful of softening snow on steep slopes as the daytime warms up. Theres a chance that wet loose slides become possible on slopes that receive direct sun by mid morning. Be aware of other hazards such as tree bombs and slick crusts.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    We're in for another warm day, and expect the sun to warm snow surfaces on East to south aspects with daytime warming. The warm temperatures should melt snow surfaces that receive direct sun, and theres a chance that loose wet slides become possible in very steep terrain by mid morning. Large, steep open slopes lined with rocks are one of the places you could see these occur. You can also trigger these small, slow-moving avalanches that have a knack for grabbing your feet, skis, or machine and pulling you downhill. Snow falling from trees (tree bombs), wet snow surfaces, and rollerballs, are some signs that wet loose avalanches are becoming possible. 

    (3/25/2022) Wet loose avalanches often initiate from steep rocky terrain, like in this photo, as it warms up in the sun.

    Photo: Katie Warren

Avalanche Discussion

Wednesday seemed like a battle between warm temperatures and clouds. Direct south facing slopes reportedly warmed up some, and there may have been a few small wet loose slides on the usual slopes of Lichtenberg. Thursday could be another similar day with winds ramping up by afternoon.

Avalanches on persistent weak layers are unlikely, though we've been tracking a layer of buried surface hoar from January 4. This can sometimes be found about 1-2 feet below the surface and between 5,800-6,500ft in wind sheltered terrain. On the 19th, skiers triggered a large avalanche 1-2 feet deep on Jim Hill on a NE aspect at 6,200ft. While you can find this layer in a few other locations, it's otherwise been inactive and patchy in distribution within the zone. In the neighboring East Central zone, there have been multiple observations, including large natural avalanches running on this layer. 

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