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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

By Wednesday afternoon, you may be able to trigger small avalanches at middle and upper elevations where the wind drifts snow. Use caution on steep slopes with new snow, especially just below ridges. Light snow will fall overnight as temperatures cool with increasing snow and wind by Wednesday afternoon. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Watch for blowing snow and building drifts to show you where you might be able to trigger a slide. If you find 4" of new snow or more of new snow over a crust, use caution on slopes over 35 degrees. Steer around deeper drifts and steep, convex roll-overs. Use caution where avalanches could push you into rocks, trees, or other terrain traps.

    New snow will fall on a moist and refreezing crust. Check the bond between the new and old snow. With forecast new snow amounts of 5-6", avalanches will be small. 

    (2/27/2026)

    An example of wind transported snow in the Whitepine Creek drainage. North Chiwaukum Mtn, 7,000ft

    Photo: Josh Hirshberg

Avalanche Discussion

Temperatures will cool on Tuesday night, and the wetted surfaces will begin to freeze. At the same time, precipitation will shift back to snow. The bulk of the snow is expected in the second half of Wednesday. We have uncertainty about the bond of new snow to surfaces that were wetted by nearly 2" of rain on Tuesday. On Monday, most slopes held a stout 10" crust, but it's to be determined whether any of that frozen layer remains after the rain.

On Monday, an NWAC forecaster on Lichtenberg Mtn found supportive crusts from 3,400-5,800ft in a range of terrain. The crust was knife-hard and 10 inches thick. The sun softened surfaces on southerly slopes, but never enough for the crust to become unsupportive to boots.

On the 16-20th, 5 inches of rain brought a couple of rounds of wet avalanches, including wet slabs and cornice falls. You may still see some debris from the cycle of large avalanches later that week. Snow cover is thin on most slopes. Be aware of exposed rocks, open creeks, and deep holes. These could be dangerous travel hazards if you fall into them.

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