Avalanche forecast

Stevens Pass

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago.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

Rain has soaked into the snowpack. Small wet avalanches remain possible on steep slopes, until the snow surface refreezes. Keep in mind overhead hazards, open creeks, and generally difficult travel conditions with heavy, wet snow or breakable crust. 

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Wet loose avalanches will remain possible to trigger on Wednesday. Any natural wet loose activity should be over by daybreak, though the snow surface will take some time to freeze up. You may be able to initiate wet snow slides that entrain more wet snow as they run downhill on steep (>35 degree) slopes. Avalanches will be bigger and more likely at mid to upper elevations as well as on steep, sheltered slopes. Glide avalanches could also occur in those few locations where snow sits over rock slabs. Keep in mind what is above you if traveling under large slopes or rocky outcrops. 

    Watch for roller balls or wet snow that 'pushalanches' on test slopes as indicators of instability.   Expect challenging and potentially dangerous travel conditions with heavy wet, and punchy snow even on previously packed trails. 

    (11/22/2020) An example of loose wet avalanches early this season on Rock Mtn. Photo: Josh Hirshberg

Avalanche Discussion

Stevens Pass ski patrol reported a few small loose wet avalanches with control work on Tuesday. Another observer reported some small rollerballs, signs of wet snow instability. Precipitation stalled out to the north of the area on Tuesday. The rain should finally make its way through overnight into Wednesday. By daytime, the storm should be tapering off with cooling temperatures, but rain will have soaked into the snowpack. 

Our early season snowpack that was looking healthy is now shrinking down and melting, and early-season hazards should be expected. Watch for open creeks, rock, buried logs, and small trees. These obstacles can make travel challenging and cause injuries if you run into them.

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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