Avalanche forecast

Stevens Pass

Dec 30 – 31, 2018Northwest Avalanche Center
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Archived · expired 8 years ago

Avalanche danger

Tue
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Steer clear of wind slabs near and above treeline, where slabs a couple of feet thick may have formed. Have a great day, but don’t let blue sky fever cloud your decision making process.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Moderate to strong winds have created stiffer slabs at upper elevations and in wind-exposed terrain that could break widely. These slabs were often reported as being “stubborn” during the day on the 30th, still, I wouldn't trust them. Use extra caution on slopes over 35 degrees and avoid deeper drifts of snow near and above treeline.

    The layer that caused the deep persistent slab problem is still there. The chances of triggering a deep slab in this area are becoming very unlikely, but still worth considering. Use extra caution especially on the eastern edge of the zone and in shallow, rocky areas near and above treeline

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1

    New snow over a crust is a perfect recipe for loose wet avalanches, the missing ingredient is the sun. Don’t let your guard down on steep, low elevation terrain during the middle of the day. Look for signs of loose wet instability such as roller balls coming off rocky areas or trees, a moist snow surface, or other small fan shaped avalanches happening.

Discussion

Snow and Avalanche Discussion:

This past storm brought about 17” inches of new snow with 3.3” of water equivalent to Stevens Pass. It rained up to at least 5200ft during the storm, then a cold front with strong winds blew through as the snow accumulated. We are left with fresh, cold snow over a refreezing wet snow crust, and some deep wind drifts. During the day on the 30th, ski area snow safety teams were able to trigger wind slabs big enough to injure, bury, or kill a person with control work.

Snowpack Discussion

Coming soon

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