Avalanche forecast

Stevens Pass

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Avalanche danger is low, but there could still be isolated, small, wet avalanches. Sunny cliffs and rocks shedding snow are the most likely terrain features to watch out for if you travel on slopes below. The shallow early-season snowpack harbors other hazards to avoid, such as exposed rocks, creeks, and challenging travel.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1

    While avalanches are unlikely, steep rocks and cliffs in the sun could still shed snow onto the slopes below. Wet avalanches are isolated even on southern aspects due to surface crusts formed during the recent melt-freeze cycles. We do have limited information and some uncertainty with the distribution of this problem. So, it's also worth paying attention to the snow on sunny slopes. If it's wet, heavy, and beginning to rollerball, wet snow avalanches are becoming more likely.We are stuck with this stubborn inversion for another day, so expect the same complicated temperature profile throughout the zone. You will find cold, cloudy conditions east of Stevens Pass and lower elevations, with warmer temperatures at higher elevations and west of the pass. If you use northern or shady slopes for sliding and riding, you'll likely find soft, dry snow and little chance of wet avalanches. 

    (3/24/2022)

    Example of wet loose avalanches off the steep steep, cliffy slopes of Rock Mountain.

    Photo: Matt Primomo

Avalanche Discussion

Temperatures at Stevens Pass were just slightly colder on Wednesday, which is common as the inversion cloud deck and east winds shift around in elevation. But other than that, with the repetitive weather conditions, it feels like Groundhog's Day. Temperatures may cool by Thursday but don't expect any significant changes until at least Friday, when we may see some more active weather. Observers report minimal wet loose avalanche activity, just some rollerballs and surface crusts on south and east aspects at upper elevations. North-facing aspects still hold cold, dry snow that is beginning to weaken and become faceted. Snowpack depths have decreased slowly during this dry spell, with about 2-3ft of snow above 4500ft. East of the pass, clouds and cold temperatures are preserving the shallow snowpack below 4500ft. A few crust layers in the mid-pack are associated with thin layers of weak snow above and below these crusts. These weak layers aren't contributing much to the avalanche hazard at this time, but we are monitoring these crust-facet combinations. Recently, skiers and riders reported isolated small wind slab avalanches throughout the zone. While all of these avalanches have been small, it is important information to consider if you're taking advantage of the high pressure to venture into high-elevation alpine terrain. Depending on the terrain feature where you are traveling, small avalanches could carry high consequences if a fall could take you over cliffs or into rocks. 

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