Stevens Pass

You may be able to trigger avalanches in new snow on slopes over 35 degrees and especially at upper elevations and near the Cascade Crest, where the wind forms drifts. Use test slopes to check how easily the recent snow slides, and choose wind-sheltered terrain or low-angle slopes in areas with deep wind drifts. Due to limited information, access, and resources, keep your travel and terrain selection conservative.

On Friday, highway and ski area workers reported 4-6" of new snow over a crust from the 18th. At upper elevations, we expect more recent snow, and there have been reports of recent wind transport and blowing snow. Ongoing snow could deliver another 10" by Saturday afternoon with less significant wind.

Access to the Stevens Pass zone is closed via both sides of Highway 2. Information is very limited. When you add recent power outages and bare bones observations, we have very limited information about the snowpack. To mitigate this increased uncertainty, make frequent observations using quick hand-pit tests and take extra time before entering larger terrain.

Flooding, washouts, downed trees, and damage to major roads have been more imminent concerns than avalanches. A recent pattern shift toward colder, snowier weather will begin to fill in our low and mid-elevation terrain, and move our concerns to usual winter hazards. We'll still need to be patient as WSDOT crews work tirelessly to reopen the highway.

The weather over the past few weeks has been extraordinary, with torrential rains, extreme winds, flooding, and landslides. Many communities are dealing with damage to homes, infrastructure, and businesses, stretching resources thin. These events have limited access to the mountains for all of us. State and local resources are working diligently to reduce the worst of these impacts. We can help by being respectful of local communities, obeying road closures, and heeding ski area uphill travel policies.