Avalanche forecast

Stevens Pass

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Sunday will be another sunny day with even warmer temperatures. Watch for small wet avalanches on steep, sunny slopes. Be careful not to hit rocks and stumps while traveling in areas of shallow snow cover. 

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Wet Loose avalanches may run on steep sunny slopes from rocks and trees. You can avoid being caught by planning your timing to get off of sunny slopes before they warm to the point of avalanching. Watch for roller balls and moist soft snow as signs that avalanches could occur.  Any avalanches will be timed with the sun; starting on southeast aspects late morning and ending on southwest aspects in the afternoon. Steep, sunny slopes at upper elevations that still hold dry snow are most suspect for avalanches. You may see more roller balls than anything but small avalanches aren't out of the question. 

    (11/26/2020) An example of small wet loose avalanches that ran on the south face of Mt McCausland on Friday. Photo: Matt Holland

Avalanche Discussion

Sunday's warmup will be the most significant change for the day. The avalanche conditions have been relatively short-lived and minimal since mid-week. Saturday night brought a burst of southwest wind and up to 2 inches of snow above 5,000ft and rain below the pass elevation. Almost a foot of snow accumulated near the top of the pass between Wednesday and Thursday. This was followed by southwest wind and warming. Evidence of the wind as well as wet avalanches from Friday can be seen on many slopes. Cornices have grown in the past couple weeks. As always, give them plenty of space and avoid standing on or below them.

While it's been a great start to the season, slopes below 4,500ft are still shallow. There are many exposed logs and rocks. Creeks and lakes are still open in places. Use caution and travel conservatively on slopes with shallow coverage.

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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