Bulletin d’avalanche

Stevens Pass

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Danger d’avalanche

Mon
Alpin
3 · Marqué
Limite forestière
3 · Marqué
Sous la limite
2 · Modéré
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Périmé — ce bulletin a expiré 5 years ago. Vous consultez des conditions passées, pas le bulletin en cours.

Points saillants

Expect a sharp rise to Considerable danger by Sunday afternoon. You may be able to easily trigger avalanches on open slopes at upper elevations. A storm will bring snow, very strong winds, and cold temperatures. 

Problèmes avalancheux

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpin
    • Limite forestière
    • Sous la limite forestière
    Probabilité
    Likely
    Taille
    1–2

    Avalanches will become bigger and easier to trigger as the day progresses.  They will be most likely above treeline. Strong, westerly winds may build slabs further downslope or below ridgelines. You may even be able to trigger small wind slab avalanches on lower elevation slopes that are exposed to wind near the top of the pass or on similar divides near the Cascade crest.  Look for signs of instability such as shooting cracks, blowing snow, and fresh avalanches. Stay off of leeward slopes that are steeper than 35 degrees. Steer around drifts, wind features, and convex rollovers. 

    Above 4,500ft, you may find enough snow accumulation by sundown for a variety of small avalanches in the new snow. Storm slabs or loose avalanches may be possible in sheltered terrain. Use small test slopes and snowpack tests to assess if the snow slides easily.

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

Avalanche Discussion

A strong winter storm will move into the area on Sunday. The bulk of the snow accumulation will be Sunday afternoon into the night. In many parts of the zone, the avalanche danger may be minimal in the morning but could increase significantly by sunset. Areas furthest west and closest to the top of Stevens Pass will receive the most snow and will have the most elevated avalanche danger. Continue to give cornices plenty of room when traveling on ridges and stay out from under them. 

Deep persistent slab avalanches were a concern into early March, but now they are 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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