Avalanche forecast

Stevens Pass

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 8 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Avalanche danger will rise as wind and temperatures increase throughout the day. You could trigger avalanches on steep slopes in recently drifted snow along ridgelines, around features, and in gullies, so choose wind-sheltered terrain the higher you climb. Due to limited information, access, and resources, keep your travel and terrain selection conservative.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Expect Wednesday to feel very different from Tuesday. Strong easterly winds will redistribute snow into thick slabs in unusual locations. Danger will increase throughout the day, and beware that places you traveled earlier without slabs could have developed reactive slabs later. 

    Identify actively drifting snow, and avoid those areas on steep slopes. Drifts tend to form on the leeward side of ridges, around bumps and features, and in gullies. Search for "red-flag" signs of instability, such as recent avalanches, blowing snow, and cracks shooting through the snow. Steer around cornices and wind-loaded pillows on steep slopes. 

     

    Example photo: Long shooting cracks are strong indicators you could trigger an avalanche on a nearby steep slope. 

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    Increasing temperatures will result in small amounts of rain at lower elevations. Forecasts vary, but we'll probably get enough warming to result in some wet loose avalanche activity at lower elevations. Avalanches should remain relatively shallow, staying within the top few inches of snow that got wet. 

    Monitor what's coming out of the sky- is it snow or rain? If the snow surrounding you gets wet and sticky, or you notice small rollerballs running down steep slopes, shift away from steep features and move to low-angle terrain away from steep slopes. Wet avalanche initiation is most common near rocks, or quite possibly from tree bombs falling out of trees. 

     

    Example photo: Recently wetted surface layers of previously cold, dry snow could slide as temperatures increase. 

    Photo: Matt Primomo

Avalanche Discussion

Approach terrain with an assessment mindset. Make frequent observations, choose conservatively and recognize that challenging weather will result in unusual avalanche conditions on Wednesday. 

Access to the Stevens Pass zone is closed via both sides of Highway 2 due to road damage. When you add recent power outages and bare bones observations, we have very limited information about the snowpack. To mitigate this increased uncertainty, make frequent observations using quick hand-pit tests and take extra time to stop and evaluate, what could happen if this avalanches when I'm on it?  before entering larger terrain. Please be patient while WSDOT crews work to reopen the highway.

State and local resources are working diligently to reduce the impacts of destructive storms that occurred earlier this month. We can help by respecting affected communities, complying with road closures, and adhering to ski area uphill travel policies.

Regions covered