Avalanche forecast

Snoqualmie Pass

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 7 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Any unstable snow on Wednesday will be confined to terrain downwind of ridges and exposed slopes. Most areas will see minimal avalanche danger, but small wind slabs could still knock you off your feet. The weather pattern is changing, which means it’s time to start thinking about avalanches again.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    A few inches of snow is expected to fall by Wednesday afternoon, combined with increasing ridgeline wind. This won't be enough snow to produce large avalanches, but thin, unstable, wind slabs are not out of the question. These slabs are most likely to form downwind of ridges, below cliff bands, and on steep convexities, primarily at middle and upper elevations.

    Remember, even a small avalanche can swoop you off your feet, and slam you into trees and rocks. Better yet, the bed surface is bullet-hard old snow, only extending any slide you take. Actively blowing snow, wind lips, and fresh cornice growth are all indicators of wind loading. If you find yourself traveling through unusually deep, soft snow, consider avoiding steep, wind-loaded terrain.

    (1/10/2026)

    A blown in skin track, with snow blowing uphill from the southwest. This is a great indicator for identifying which way the snow is being transported.

    Photo: Sam Clairmont

Avalanche Discussion

Snowfall is finally back in the forecast, It's almost hard to believe! Snoqualmie Pass has taken a serious hit these past couple weeks, with a combination of icy surfaces, and grim snow coverage leaving the trailheads unusually quiet. Wednesday brings good news and bad news. The good news: most of the Pass should pick up a few inches of snow. The bad news: temperatures will warm through the day, and there’s a slight chance of freezing rain by late afternoon/evening. But hey, we'll take what we can get.

Over the past couple weeks, many areas have reverted to bare dirt and rock, with snow bridges collapsing and creeks widening. This won't change much on Wednesday, and it might actually be a little worse before it gets better. Take it slow and easy out there. Any new snow will only partially cover the rocks, logs, and other earthly hazards. Accidents happen quick, and a few inches of snow isn't worth an injury.

With active weather on the horizon, it's time to start talking about avalanches again. With that, the recent dry weather has had some structural impact on the snowpack. Observers have reported near-surface faceting above the January 3rd crust, and all different types of surface hoar across the zone. These weak grains can certainly be an issue long term if significant snowfall returns, but for now, it has no impact on the avalanche danger. We'll continue to keep an eye on these grains as the snow returns.

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