Avalanche forecast

Stevens Pass

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Ongoing light snow, rain, and wind will keep avalanches likely at upper elevations. Steer around wind loaded slopes 35 degrees and steeper near and above treeline. Use caution as facets on an icy crust underlying recent snow remains a good sliding surface for avalanches wherever they have an overlying slab.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    If you're traveling on the eastern boundary of the zone check out the East Central forecast, where we've issued High Danger for very dangerous persistent slab conditions. 

    You can trigger avalanches large enough to bury, injure, or kill a person on upper elevation, wind-loaded slopes 35 degrees and steeper. Avalanches could be surprising and propagate widely where they run on shallowly buried facets over a crust. Avalanches will be larger and easier to trigger at higher elevations. Ongoing east and southeasterly winds have loaded leeward slopes. Pay attention as you transition into wind affected terrain and look and feel for changes in snow surface texture and hardness. Fresh slabs rest atop slick and even weak, sugary snow. Look for obvious signs of instability like recent avalanches, shooting cracks, and collapses, and dial back your terrain choices if any of these red flags are present. You are most likely to trigger a slab on steep slopes below cornices, to the lee side of ridgelines, below rocky outcrops, and in gully features. Carefully assess how recent snow has bonded to old snow surfaces as you travel using hand pits and small test slopes. Seek out lower angled and wind-sheltered terrain to reduce your risk of triggering an avalanche.  

    (1/28/2021) A skier remotely triggered this wind slab (D1) on the east aspect of Tye Peak near 5200ft Thursday. The crown was 20-25ft across and 6-18in deep. Photo: Marc Simonpietri

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    If enough rain falls, you may be able to trigger wet avalanches in steep terrain. These avalanches will generally be very small, but they could be enough to carry you into rocks or trees if you're caught unaware. Avoid exposure to steep slopes above and terrain features where avalanche debris can concentrate like gullies, benches, and depressions. 

    (1/28/2021) Looking across Hwy 2 at Moonlight/Skyline with a couple of debris piles from recent loose snow avalanche activity. Photo: Charlie Hagedorn

Avalanche Discussion

Observers just east of Stevens Pass, in the East Central zone, have reported dangerous persistent slab avalanche conditions. On Sunday, Stevens Pass Patrol reported snowpack tests that showed propagation on a wind-loaded SW aspect at 5,600ft. Observers on Arrowhead found similar results on leeward slopes. While the weak layers and overlying slab are less developed in this zone, a similar snowpack structure can be found. Near Stevens Pass, human triggered avalanches were reported the past few days in wind-affected areas (observation), and even a few small naturals were observed in Highlands Bowl on Wednesday as well as on Tye Peak on Thursday. These avalanches ran on, or just above the old/new snow interface, which is a slippery crust in most areas. Avalanches were small, although new snow and wind are adding up and you could find thicker and more reactive slabs at higher elevations. Carefully assess the snowpack as you travel, especially on the northern half of the compass where you might find layers of weak faceted snow associated with prominent crusts buried by recent and windblown snow. 

During the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, continue to follow the latest guidance from local, state, and federal health officials. Avoid unnecessary risks that could impact first responders and stress medical resources.  Wear a mask when appropriate, practice social distancing, and consider recreating closer to home.

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