Snoqualmie Pass

Friday will be the coldest day we've had at upper elevations in a few weeks. Combined with less sunshine and cold easterly winds, expect avalanche potential to be close to zero. Instead, travel conditions again take center stage, particularly firm slopes capable of producing a long, uncontrolled slide.

Upper-elevation temperatures are on the descent, eventually merging with the low-level inversion temps that have been downright chilly over the past several days. This should put an end to our upper-elevation warmups, further reducing avalanche potential. The only caveat is that this is the initial cooldown after a prolonged warm period. In rare instances, we have seen a spike in rogue glide activity during initial cooldowns. This doesn't appear to be one of those times in our estimation. All the same, you may want to consider limiting your time spent traveling below chunks of snow hanging on rocky ledges or corniced ridgelines.

Otherwise, it's business as usual at Snoqualmie Pass. Travel hazards will once again be your primary concern on Friday, especially icy slopes. Don't expect much, if any, softening of the snow surface with temperatures finally dropping, even if there is some filtered sunshine. Long, uncontrolled slides are possible, so bring the right equipment to manage this hazard and know how to use it. 

You'll also need to hop over open creeks or dip, dodge, and duck around exposed bushes, rocks, holes, and bare ground. All of these hazards can add time to your travels.