Snoqualmie Pass

Avalanche potential will increase as you ascend toward snowier and windier elevations. Uncertainty surrounds the bond between the new snow and the underlying crust, so collect plenty of information by using small test slopes and hand pits. Be suspect of most slopes over 35 degrees, particularly if they're wind-loaded.

Friday's storm came in a bit warmer than expected, resulting in rain at lower elevations before changing to a mix and finally snow. NWAC forecasters in the Alpental Valley found that the transition to something resembling snow started around 3700'. By the time they reached 4000', you could call it mostly snow. Initial impressions are that a moderate to poor bond exists with the underlying crust. The Summit at Snoqualmie Pro Patrol agreed with that assessment based on their observations from the top of Alpental. They also noted a few pockets of natural activity in wind-loaded terrain near the base of cliffs.

Snow showers should slowly diminish on Saturday, but we'll likely squeeze out another handful of inches at upper elevations, accompanied by wind. All eyes should be on the bond to the underlying crust. Weak snow such as surface hoar and near surface facets existed on top of this crust before the storm. Our hunch is that you'll easily trigger avalanches on steep, unsupported, or wind-loaded slopes. Their size will depend on the amount of new snow at your elevation and exposure to wind. They could be loose or slabs and their moisture content will likely change with elevation. If those weak grains come into play, avalanches could break widely or wrap terrain features.

Prior to this storm, travel conditions were very challenging due to breakable crust, icy slopes, frozen tree bombs, and piles of avalanche debris. NWAC forecasters noted that conditions improved greatly on Friday morning, but many of these hazards are now only a few inches below the surface, making them more difficult to spot.