Avalanche forecast

Stevens Pass

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago.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

You can trigger avalanches in wind drifted snow on slopes 35 degrees and steeper. Monitor changing conditions as you climb up in elevation and transition into wind affected terrain. Use visual clues to help identify and avoid unstable areas of wind loaded snow.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Recent deposits of windblown snow still need time to settle and stabilize. With increasing southwesterly winds and plenty of snow available for transport, existing slabs could thicken and fresh slabs may even form. Wind slabs will grow in size and distribution as you climb up in elevation. Triggering an avalanche is most likely on north through southeast aspects above 5000ft near ridge crests, in gullies, and in unsupported terrain steeper than 35 degrees. 

    Pay attention as you transition into wind affected terrain. Watch for blowing snow, fresh cornices, and textured snow surfaces as good indicators wind slabs exist nearby. Assess new and wind drifted snow as you travel, and look for cracking, collapsing, and recent avalanches. Choose sheltered, lower-angle terrain to avoid the problem, and steer around convex rollovers and slopes below cornices. 

    (11/25/2020) Small skier-triggered wind slab avalanche (D1) on an east aspect near 5200ft on Tye Peak

Avalanche Discussion

Over the past 24 hours, the Stevens Pass area received 10-12in of snow (1.25in water). Observers reported a handful of small, shallow human-triggered avalanches (D1) failing within new snow and minor loose avalanche activity. The new snow is right-side-up and well bonded to old snow surfaces with less wind effect than expected. 

Drier weather will arrive on Thanksgiving Day with a only slight chance for light precipitation and mostly cloudy skies. If the sun makes an appearance in the afternoon, keep wet loose avalanches in mind. 

At this point, you may find between 3.5ft to 5ft of snow on the ground in the Steven Pass zone, depending on aspect and elevation. Higher elevation, shaded slopes are generally holding the deepest snowpack. Snow coverage is above average for this time of year, but early season conditions still exist. Stay alert for open creeks, tree wells, crevasses, or other exposed hazards. Consider the consequences when choosing terrain. Falling or getting caught in even a small avalanche could result in a rough ride.

Now is a great time to run through your safety equipment and make sure everything is in good working order. CLICK HERE for more information on early-season equipment checks. What did you see out in the field? SHARE YOUR OBSERVATIONS with NWAC and the backcountry community. Check out this BLOG POST and VIDEO TUTORIAL to find out more about why observations are so important and how you can view and share information on NWAC’s new public observations platform.

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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