Bollettino valanghe

Stevens Pass

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Pericolo valanghe

Sat
Alta quota
2 · Moderato
Limite del bosco
1 · Debole
Sotto il limite
1 · Debole
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Non aggiornato — questo bollettino è scaduto 6 years ago. Stai vedendo condizioni passate, non il bollettino in corso.

In sintesi

Deposits of windblown snow from Wednesday's storm may still need time to settle and stabilize. Triggering an avalanche is still possible on leeward upper elevation slopes near ridge crests, in gullies, and in unsupported terrain steeper than 35 degrees.  With a chance for sunshine Friday, watch for wet loose avalanches on steep sun-exposed slopes.

Problemi valanghivi

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alta quota
    • Limite del bosco
    • Sotto il limite del bosco
    Probabilità
    Possible
    Dimensione
    1–2

    You may be able to trigger avalanches in wind drifted snow on slopes 35 degrees and steeper, primarily on north through southeast aspects above 5000ft. Monitor changing conditions as you climb up in elevation and transition into wind affected terrain. Use visual clues to help identify wind-drifted snow and look for sudden changes in snow surface texture and hardness. Blowing snow and fresh cornices are good indicators wind slabs likely exist nearby. Carefully assess the upper snowpack as you travel, and look for cracking, collapsing, and recent avalanches. To avoid the problem, choose sheltered, lower-angle terrain, 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

  • Loose Wet

    • Alta quota
    • Limite del bosco
    • Sotto il limite del bosco
    Probabilità
    Possible
    Dimensione
    1

    Although the sun will have to compete with clouds and some wind on Friday, snow surfaces may heat up, especially as freezing levels gradually rise to 5000ft. It may not take much for the recent storm snow to become wet and weak. Small wet loose avalanches are possible on steep sun-exposed slopes. Be especially careful around rocky outcrops that could shed snow onto slopes below. Watch for dripping trees, pinwheels, and rollerballs as clues that loose wet avalanches may follow.

    (11/23/2020) Example rollerballs and pinwheels on a south aspect at 5200ft in the West North zone.

Avalanche Discussion

Since Wednesday's storm, observers reported a handful of shallow, human-triggered avalanches (D1) failing within new snow as well as minor loose avalanche activity. The new snow is right-side-up and generally well bonded to old snow surfaces with minor wind effect (observation).

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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