Lawinenlagebericht

Snoqualmie Pass

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Lawinengefahr

Sat
Hochgebirge
2 · Mässig
Waldgrenze
2 · Mässig
Unterhalb
1 · Gering
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Veraltet — dieser Lagebericht ist 8 months ago abgelaufen. Du siehst vergangene Verhältnisse, nicht den aktuellen Bericht.

Kernpunkte

Avalanche danger will increase through the day on Friday as low-elevation snowfall and strengthening winds build fresh wind slabs. You're most likely to trigger an avalanche later in the day, on leeward slopes with freshly deposited wind slabs or in steep, rocky terrain where older, lingering slabs remain. Sticking to lower-angle, wind sheltered terrain will be your best way to limit risk.

Lawinenprobleme

  • Wind Slabs

    • Hochgebirge
    • Waldgrenze
    • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
    Wahrscheinlichkeit
    Possible
    Größe
    1–1.5

    As snowfall intensifies through Friday, winds will also strengthen. Expect a fresh round of wind slabs to develop in the usual locations: leeward-facing slopes below ridgelines and other exposed terrain. Fresh, sharp cornices and actively blowing snow will be important indicators of wind loading. Some slabs may form on top of Wednesday’s rain crust, a potential sliding surface. At the highest elevations, larger, older wind slabs may still linger, though they are generally more difficult to trigger.

    Regardless of their size, being caught in an avalanche can have serious consequences. Snoqualmie Pass still has a relatively shallow snowpack, with abundant trees, rocks, and exposed creeks to amplify the risk. As the day gets later, continually assess slopes for fresh wind loading. If the snow feels dense and wind compacted underfoot, consider moving to lower angle terrain. 

    (12/23/2025)

    Upper elevations are filling in nicely and have a higher potential for avalanches. At least one sizable slab was visible during this quick glance at the Chair Peak area.

    Photo: Andy Harrington

Avalanche Discussion

If you get an early start on Friday morning, you’ll likely encounter minimal new snow and limited wind loading, with avalanche danger relatively low. However, as the day progresses, fresh snowfall and strengthening winds will quickly form wind drifts and slabs on leeward slopes at mid and upper elevations. Avalanche danger will rise steadily, likely peaking in the late afternoon. Slabs will grow larger and become increasingly sensitive to trigger as wind and snow continue to build throughout the day.

While access in Snoqualmie Pass has greatly improved over the past week, upper elevations remain challenging to reach, and field observations from these areas are limited. Low and mid-elevation terrain is generally travelable, but many natural hazards remain exposed. Travel cautiously in these low coverage areas. If you’re heading into the backcountry on Friday, we’d love to see your observations. Submit them HERE.

State and local resources are working diligently to reduce the impacts of destructive storms that occurred earlier this month. We can help by respecting affected communities, complying with road closures, and adhering to ski area uphill travel policies.

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