Stevens Pass

Expect another cold start to Tuesday with gusty winds and a chance for thin clouds in the afternoon. In many locations, variable snow and challenging travel on icy surfaces will be a greater concern than avalanches. Use caution in steep terrain where a slip or small, isolated avalanche could lead to an uncontrolled fall. 

Tuesday will be another cool day. There's uncertainty about whether high to mid-level clouds will increase in the afternoon. Westerly winds should pick up with some moderate gusts. There's little to no snow available to transport. Expect firm, icy surfaces in many places, though shaded, open slopes still hold soft snow. If the skies stay clear, you may find some slight softening of the surface crusts on south and southwest sun-exposed aspects. 

In general, there's little concern for avalanches. At upper elevations, there's a chance you could trigger small chunks of wind-drifted snow in isolated areas. These would only be a problem in very steep, extreme terrain. 

Observers have reported surface hoar and weak surface snow on many slopes. On Sunday, an observer found softening crusts on south aspects. On Saturday, NWAC forecasters found soft, dry snow on shaded, open slopes of Jim Hill. They were able to trigger a mini-avalanche in older, wind-affected snow. Many slopes are firm from wind effects or thick crusts. The most challenging, icy conditions were in the trees. 

The last measurable snowfall (8-9") was on January 10-11th. On the 14th and 15th, small wet avalanches were reported on steep sunny slopes with warm temperatures and sun. This was also when the crust formed that now adorns many slopes.

Let us know what you see when you're in the mountains by submitting an observation.