Boletín de aludes

Snoqualmie Pass

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Peligro de aludes

Fri
Alta montaña
3 · Notable
Límite del bosque
2 · Moderado
Bajo el límite
1 · Débil
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Desactualizado: este boletín caducó 5 months ago. Estás viendo condiciones pasadas, no el boletín vigente.

Lo esencial

Stormy weather will increase avalanche potential on Thursday. You're more likely to trigger an avalanche in wind-loaded terrain or on convex features. Use small test slopes or quick hand pits to gauge how much new snow there is and where potential failure points exist.

Problemas de aludes

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alta montaña
    • Límite del bosque
    • Bajo el límite del bosque
    Probabilidad
    Likely
    Tamaño
    1–2

    While you may find upside-down snow or sensitive pockets in sheltered terrain, the largest and most consequential slides are expected to be on wind-loaded slopes. Look for visual clues such as actively blowing snow, textured surfaces, or new drifts to help identify leeward aspects. Then you can steer around convexities, rocky outcrops, or steep open slopes below ridgelines where wind slabs are more likely to form.

    Using uptrack tests, small test slopes, or quick hand pits can help you identify the depth and reactivity of the new storm snow. Look for heavy snow over weaker snow or slab failures as an indication to dial back your terrain choices to simpler, lower-angled slopes.

    (3/27/2026)

    A human-triggered wind slab avalanche from earlier in the week occurred after only a few inches of snow had fallen. Note how the slope is convex, unsupported, and near rocks. 

    Photo: Eddie Schoen

Avalanche Discussion

As of Wednesday evening, a winter-like storm is impacting Snoqualmie Pass, bringing wind, rain, and snow. Temperatures are expected to lower overnight as precipitation intensifies before transitioning to a more showery pattern on Thursday. Winds will shift direction multiple times throughout the forecast period and should be strong enough to transport snow onto leeward slopes.

With a mixed bag of surfaces prior to this storm, it's no shock that the sensitivity of the new snow may vary. In some locations, new snow may be falling directly on the 3/25 crust, while in others, it will cap a handful of inches of previously dry snow. With a warm start to the storm, the bond to the crust may be favorable. On shaded slopes holding onto dry snow, there could be an upside-down layer. Be sure to check all the snow down to the 3/25 for potential failure points.

Although not an official problem, this is spring, and the threat of wet loose slides always seems to linger. As mentioned above, the storm started wet with rain reaching the mid-elevation band. If temperatures don't cool as we think or bump back up during the heat of the day on Thursday, you may be able to push small wet slides on steep slopes. Any triggered avalanche, wet or dry, loose or slab, could potentially run well on the 3/25 crust. 

Before Wednesday's rain, travel had improved marginally at lower elevations, but that may no longer be the case. As we flip back toward snow, hazards that were easily visible just a day or two ago could be partially hidden. Holes and creeks have been with us all season long and will continue to be throughout the spring. 

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