Lawinenlagebericht

Snoqualmie Pass

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Lawinengefahr

Sat
Hochgebirge
2 · Mässig
Waldgrenze
2 · Mässig
Unterhalb
2 · Mässig
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Veraltet — dieser Lagebericht ist 5 years ago abgelaufen. Du siehst vergangene Verhältnisse, nicht den aktuellen Bericht.

Kernpunkte

You may still find avalanche concerns within the new snow on Friday. At upper elevations and in shaded terrain, steer around pockets of wind drifted snow. On sunnier and warmer slopes, expect the surface to grow wet and unstable during periods of sunshine.

Lawinenprobleme

  • Wind Slabs

    • Hochgebirge
    • Waldgrenze
    • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
    Wahrscheinlichkeit
    Possible
    Größe
    1–2

    You could still trigger lingering winds slabs on Friday near the base of cliffs, on unsupported slopes, and in confined chutes. Look for evidence that the wind loaded snow onto a slope. When you see textured surfaces, drifts, or sharp cornices, anticipate wind slabs on nearby lee slopes. Take time to identify these potentially wind-loaded features and select paths that take you around the wind deposited snow. Some of these slabs sit over a firm crust that could allow them to trigger more easily and travel quickly.

    (3/7/2021) Textured snow surfaces like this can help you anticipate which slopes or features could harbor wind slabs. Photo: Ian Nicholson

  • Loose Wet

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

    While some loose wet slides occurred on Thursday at the Pass, partly cloudy skies significantly limited avalanche activity. You could see significant sunshine Friday that produces another round of wet avalanches. Pay attention to the snow surface. If you notice it becoming wet and sticky or you see new rollerballs the expect loose wet avalanches. Steer around similar slopes and seek out more shaded and drier snow. While these slides should remain small, don’t let them surprise you and carry you into a creek or over a cliff.

    (4/1/2021) Example: Small natural loose wet avalanches on Kendall Peak triggered during sunny weather following a storm earlier this winter. . SW 5400'

Avalanche Discussion

Snoqualmie Pass received 6-10” of snow along with moderate to strong winds during this recent storm. Observations from mid and upper elevations were limited Thursday, but we suspect significant wind transport at these elevations. The recent snow sits over a firm crust (4/7) on most aspects. This strong smooth surface could allow avalanches to fail easily and travel quickly. On North facing slopes, the old surface consisted of settled snow, weak facets, and potentially surface hoar. Plenty of uncertainty remains about this interface (4/7) in shaded terrain. Scattered to broken skies did allow some sunshine to influence the snow surface and result in minor loose wet avalanches below 4000 ft. With the recent fluctuations in weather, you could encounter a wide variety of snow surfaces including fresh powder, breakable crust, heavy snow, and firm surface. 

A skier-triggered slab avalanche was reported late Thursday afternoon. This slide failed below the new storm snow AND the underlying crust on wet, unconsolidated snow. This wet slab highlights the unique and sometimes surprising nature of spring avalanches. See photos below. 

Despite the cooler weather, glide avalanches and cornices remain on our minds. Predicting when these features will fail is exceptionally difficult. Choose routes that help limit the time you spend under looming cornices and crevasse-like glide cracks. 

During the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, continue to follow the latest guidance from local, state, and federal health officials. Avoid unnecessary risks that could impact first responders and stress medical resources.  Wear a mask when appropriate, practice social distancing, and consider recreating closer to home.

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