Avalanche forecast

Snoqualmie Pass

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 8 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

On Saturday, you could still trigger an avalanche in wind-loaded terrain or on steep, unsupported slopes. As temperatures rise throughout the day, be on the lookout for snow shedding from trees and rocks. Be prepared to manage both risks by making travel plans that offer plenty of route options.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    Be leery of wind-loaded terrain, particularly at mid and upper elevations. Fresh cornices, textured surfaces, and areas that look "fat" are all visual clues to help you identify potentially dangerous slopes. Take some time to identify specific terrain features where the wind likes to deposit snow, such as the base of cliffs, confined gullies, or convex rollovers. These are areas you'll want to avoid to help minimize the chance of triggering a wind slab.

    Small test slopes and uptrack tests can give you an indication of the slab potential of the upper snowpack. If you get failures during your tests, notice long shooting cracks, or hear whumpfing collapses, then head for simpler, lower-angled terrain.

    (1/9/2026)

    A natural wind slab avalanche in steep, rocky terrain on Alta. This is a great example, but the terrain may not need to be that extreme for you to trigger a similar avalanche on Saturday.

    Photo: Charlie Hagedorn [Image CC-BY-NC-SA 4.0]

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    Saturday is forecast to be relatively warm with periods of sunshine. That puts the possibility of wet slides on the table. These avalanches often start at a point, like snow shedding from trees or rocks, then fan out as they move downhill. If you notice the snow surface is getting wet and sticky, see new rollerballs, or fan-shaped avalanche debris, head for shadier aspects. Always keep aware of terrain above you. 

    The warmth could result in other hazards, such as recently formed cornices collapsing or large blocks of snow falling from trees or ledges. 

    (1/9/2026)

    Rollerballs and other wet avalanche activity were observed on slopes receiving direct sunshine in Commonwealth Basin.

Avalanche Discussion

NWAC is aware of an avalanche involvement in the East Central Zone, Teanaway River/Longs Pass area. Information is currently limited. We are working with local authorities and Search and Rescue personnel. We will update once more information is available.

After a stormy week, Friday was relatively calm, with partly sunny skies, rising temperatures, and a bit of wind gracing Snoqualmie Pass. Expect a similar day on Saturday as temperatures creep higher, and we prepare for the return of precipitation on Saturday night.

This week's storm parade was precisely what the Pass needed to boost winter recreation. Roughly 2 to 2.5 feet of storm snow fell, improving coverage and helping alleviate some of our early-season travel hazards. Natural and human-triggered avalanches were reported this week, albeit mostly small. 

On Friday, the snowpack had a chance to take a breath and start to settle. On Saturday, you may still find mid-storm interfaces in this week's snow capable of producing avalanches, such as a graupel layer roughly a foot below the surface. At the base of the storm snow, you'll find the 1/3 interface. On the surface, there could be a new crust on slopes that typically receive direct sunshine. We anticipate all avalanche activity to be confined to this week's snow sitting over the 1/3. As you hopefully read above, an avalanche involvement occurred just over the border in our neighboring East Central zone, near the Teanaway. Keep this in mind as you make your travel plans for Saturday, our snowpacks are not vastly different. 

If you haven't been in the mountains recently, you'll find that travel has improved dramatically since the last time you visited. However, holes and creeks remain a significant hazard, as does the new snow in general. Don't stumble into a place you can't get out of easily. Keep your friends in sight and be prepared to lend a helping hand if they're stuck in deep snow or a hole.

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