Stevens Pass

The snow surface will change throughout the day, from frozen first thing in the morning to slushy in the afternoon heat. Bring traction equipment, such as crampons (ski/boot), to prevent an uncontrolled fall on steep, frozen slopes. The eastern aspects will soften and warm up first, and later the western aspects. The sun will even warm the northeast and northwest aspects. On Friday, developing thin clouds may slightly reduce surface melting. While avalanches are currently unlikely, there are still hazards to consider.

Cooler temperatures have reduced the chance of wet avalanches since earlier in the week. However, a small, isolated avalanche isn't impossible. Cornices and snow shedding from steep rocks and cliffs could trigger avalanches in overhead terrain. Make sure not to walk onto cornices, and minimize the time you spend under them. There's a slight chance that you could trigger small wet avalanches if you find areas of wet and unsupportive snow. As the day warms up, pay attention to snow surfaces. If you're sinking into the top of your boots while standing on the snow, it's time to move to lower-angle terrain. 

On the 8th, an observer on Rock Mountain reported supportive, surfaces most of the day, and thick crusts. On Thursday, an NWAC forecaster in the Skyline Lake area reported similar conditions. The last natural wet avalanches were reported to have run on the 6th. Skiers triggered wet loose avalanches on the south aspect of Lichtenberg Mountain. 

Prepare for low snow cover, open creeks, and icy surfaces, which create various travel hazards.