Avalanche forecast

Stevens Pass

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

You could trigger slab avalanches over a foot deep at upper elevations. if you see signs of instability like shooting cracks and recent avalanches, stay off of slopes steeper than 35 degrees. Loose wet avalanches may run on steep slopes that face the sun as temperatures warm during the day.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    Warming temperatures and sun will trigger more loose wet avalanches on steep sun-exposed slopes. Look for signs of loose wet activity such as rollerballs, and other small fan-shaped avalanches as temperatures warm.  Don't let these predictable avalanches catch you by surprise in or around terrain traps or extreme terrain.

    Loose dry avalanches are possible on very steep slopes in the shade. Ride cautiously in steeper terrain knowing that you could initiate sluffs that may entrain loose snow and grow larger.

    (3/24/2021) An example of small loose avalanches near Washington Pass. Photo: Josh Hirshberg

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Around 1ft of snow fell on Wednesday with moderate wind drifting at upper elevations. You may still be able to trigger avalanches in recently drifted snow. The likelihood and potential size of avalanches will increase as you climb higher in the mountains. Look for any weak snow at the interface of Wednesday's storm snow which could make the snow slide easily. Avoid steep and unsupported slopes that appear wind-loaded at upper elevations. You can do quick hand shears, switchback ski tests, and use small test slopes to check how well new snow is bonding.

    Example small slab avalanche on Tye Peak on the 22nd.

Avalanche Discussion

On Wednesday and Thursday, observers reported reactive storm and wind slabs around 8" deep. Slabs were failing on the recently buried melt-freeze crust though propagation wasn't very wide. Near ridgetops and on exposed features, the wind was strong enough to drift the newly fallen snow into thicker slabs in those areas. Small loose wet avalanches ran on steep, solar slopes on Thursday. 

Generally, cornices aren't as large near Stevens Pass as you may find further north in the Cascades. Continue to give cornices plenty of room when traveling on ridges and stay out from under them.  Several large glide cracks and a few glide avalanches were observed recently. If you notice crevasse-like cracks in the snowpack, avoid areas below the cracks. 

Deep persistent slab avalanches were a concern into early March, although at this point they appear dormant and unlikely. The layer of facets on a crust from Mid-January was responsible for the February avalanche cycles is now buried 8-9 feet deep. The last known deep slab avalanche in this zone was on March 1. Major warming events later in spring and summer could trigger further rounds of avalanches on this layer. 

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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