Avalanche warning in effect at Stevens, Snoqualmie passes

An avalanche warning is in effect for the central west slopes of the Cascades, including Stevens Pass and Snoqualmie Pass.

The scale for avalanche danger is rated between 1 and 5; Wednesday’s warning is at a 4, categorized as “high.” The warning extends from the west slopes beginning at the northern Washington border, moving through both Stevens and Snoqualmie Pass. Mt. Hood is also at high risk.

“Large natural avalanches are likely in all elevation bands,” a statement from the Northwest Avalanche Center (NWAC) reads.

The NWAC expects “very dangerous avalanche conditions” to persist through Wednesday evening, “as a wet and windy storm impacts the region.” The combination of wet weather, “blowing snow,” and rapid warming are all contributing to the high risk factor.

“Extreme winds and rising snow levels will only make matters worse,” the NWAC noted.

The avalanche warning will expire at 6 p.m. Wednesday. Until then, travel in any of the affected areas “is not recommended.”

The conditions will have the Silver Fir slope at Snoqualmie’s Summit resort closed Wednesday. The resort’s Alpental slope will close early at 4:30 p.m. The opening of slopes at Stevens Pass was delayed for avalanche control operations, but have been opening one-by-one as Wednesday morning has progressed.

You can see full details of the highest risk areas at the NWAC’s website here.

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