Avalanche forecast

Stevens Pass

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
4 · High
Below
4 · High
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Highlights

Very dangerous conditions exist in the mountains. Heavy snow and rain, along with warming temperatures will create natural avalanches during the day. Stay off of, and out from underneath steep slopes where avalanches can start, run, and stop. 

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Very Likely
    Size
    2

    Heavy snowfall with warming temperatures will create instabilities in the new snow. Most storm slabs occur during the storm, and it will be storming on Tuesday. Signs of instability are shooting cracks and recent slab avalanches. These may occur even on small, steep features and could be 14" deep below treeline. At higher elevations slabs could be up to 2ft deep during the day tomorrow, and growing rapidly. Tuesday is a good day to plan to avoid avalanche terrain altogether, staying well away from any steep slope. 

    Example storm slab.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Very Likely
    Size
    2

    Wet loose avalanches will become a problem early in the day at low elevations, with snow turning to rain. These are expected to run on steep slopes and could easily be large enough to bury and kill a person. Signs of wet loose instability include rollerballs, wet sticky snow over dry snow, and recent fan shaped avalanches. Avoid going underneath steep slopes, even if it's on a trail through the trees as wet loose slides could run through open forested terrain. 

    Example loose wet avalanche

Avalanche Discussion

As the atmospheric river takes aim at the region, we will see danger rise from nearly Low, to High in 24 hours. Stevens Pass may stay all snow at pass level until sometime late morning, before turning to rain. The new snow will be coming in over cold, dry snow and become wet and heavy as the storm progresses. Along with storm slabs and wet loose avalanches, glide avalanches may begin to occur spontaneously later in the day with all the heavy rain. There are some deeper crusts in the snowpack that could cause very large wet slab avalanches by Tuesday night if the rain continues. Don't expect a quick drop in danger on Wednesday, very strong winds and more new snow will continue dangerous conditions. 

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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