Avalanche forecast

Stevens Pass

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago.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 may be able to trigger small avalanches at upper elevations. Shifting wind and light snow may drift fresh slabs above treeline. Elsewhere, expect only small amounts of new snow.

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 were previously out of the east to southeast and should shift southwest for Friday. Triggered avalanches will be small. The snow could be reactive where it rests on slick crusts or weak snow. Steer around pillows and drifts on slopes steeper than 35 degrees.

    (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 Dirty Face Mountain reported 3" of new snow that slid easily on slick crusts. They also found shallow, fresh wind slabs on west aspects near ridges. Older snow surfaces are variable. You may find:

  • Wind-stiffened snow from wind events starting on Dec 28th
  • Frozen roller balls and breakable sun crusts on steeper sun-exposed slopes. These formed in two days around New Years
  • 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
  • Weak facets and surface hoar on sheltered, shaded slopes.  These have often transformed in combination with the other surfaces mentioned.

Regions covered