Avalanche forecast

Stevens Pass

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

Showers will leave a few inches of snow coating the old snow layer above approximately 4000ft. Wind could deposit the few inches of fresh snow into shallow slabs that may react to a human trigger at upper elevations. At lower elevations, you might still encounter small wet avalanches.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    We may get enough snow and wind overnight that small wind slabs could develop at upper elevations. These little pockets might prove unreactive, or they could react to a human trigger. Surface hoar was found around the zone on previous days, and might still exist on upper elevation northerly slopes. New snow burying the surface hoar means that small avalanches could pop off easier. Surface hoar or not, avalanches will likely slide easily on the smooth underlying crust. 

    Any avalanches will probably remain small, failing 6 inches deep or less. Pay attention to new snow qualities above the crust, noticing thicker deposits that are displaying signs of weakness such as cracking. Your largest concern if you encounter avalanches could be getting pushed into a terrain trap, or the surface layer stripping back to the firm crust, a more challenging layer to travel over. This is good practice for identifying changes in snow characteristics and potentially encountering small avalanches to better prepare you for larger new snow amounts.

    You may be able to trigger very small, shallow wind slabs on lee slopes like this one. Photo: Peter Sundberg

Avalanche Discussion

A few other avalanche problems remain on the radar, although unlikely. Moist snow persists at lower elevations, and small wet loose avalanches may still occur on steep slopes. There is a very small chance that large, unsupported cornices could break off. Additionally, glide avalanche numbers reduced in recent days, but keep looking out for gaping glide cracks near the top of steep slopes, and consider traveling around terrain beneath those features. Travel conditions are challenging right now and snow surfaces are variable - soft down low and firm up high underneath the fresh snow - plan your trip accordingly.

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