Stevens Pass

Avalanche problems

• 

  Storm Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alpine
  • Treeline
  • Below treeline

  Likelihood

  Likely

  Size

  1

  You can trigger storm slab avalanches at upper elevations, while air temperatures stay cool and before the snow becomes thoroughly wetted. Check the interface between the new and old snow and look for any weak layers just below the old snow surface. Gusty winds could form deeper drifts on leeward sides of ridges and terrain features at upper elevations. Use tests and small test slopes to check how easily the snow can slide. Watch for cracking in the snow as a sign of instability.

• 

  Loose Wet

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alpine
  • Treeline
  • Below treeline

  Likelihood

  Likely

  Size

  1

  Loose wet avalanches will be possible at low elevations early in the day and will encompass most elevations by afternoon. Warming temperatures will usher these avalanches into higher slopes as rain moves to mid and upper elevations in the second half of the day. Watch for rollerballs and fan-shaped avalanches as clues that you could trigger a wet avalanche. These avalanches can be easier to predict but they can also be forceful. Even small avalanches could be dangerous in consequential terrain. Watch for natural avalanches coming from steep, overhead terrain.