Avalanche Buries Skier On The Backside Of Steven’s Pass

Just yesterday the Northwest Avalanche Center conducted a professional observation of a skier triggered avalanche just outside the boundary of Stevens Pass Ski Area. The backside of Stevens Pass has not been open or controlled this year and is considered backcountry terrain. 

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The Pacific Northwest (like Jackson Hole as of recent) has a very unstable snowpack, with new wet snow, and even rain in some places. The two skiers did dig a pit, and as soon as they realized how hazardous the snow was they tried to find a low-angle route out, but, unfortunately, triggered a slide from below. One of the skiers took about a 200-foot ride and was fully buried. Fortunately, the other skier was able to locate and dig out the other skier just as she was losing consciousness. This was a very close call, so we urge you to be extremely cautious when dealing with unstable snowpack, and just be patient.