Snoqualmie Pass

Snow is in the forecast for upper elevations at Snoqualmie Pass, where it will be cooler and windier. There shouldn't be enough for consequential avalanches on Monday. But keep tabs on how much is stacking up, and if it's deeper than expected, start thinking about larger slides.

Monday should be a return to active weather, with a convergence zone and showers impacting Snoqualmie Pass. Temperatures should slowly drop as this first storm wave hits the Pass, resulting in snow up high and rain down low. 

We do not anticipate enough new snow to create consequential avalanches on Monday. However, winds will steadily increase throughout the forecast period, and the convergence zone could linger longer than expected. So you may find a few shallow wind slabs in the usual locations by day's end. Take an extra minute to investigate leeward ridgelines, convex features, or confined gullies/chutes for wind-loading before committing to a slope. Even if they exist, they should be small. But don't get tripped up by one in consequential terrain.

The bigger issue may be getting to elevations with snow. More rain will only further decimate our lower-elevation band and exacerbate the difficult travel conditions that have persisted for much of the season. Open holes and creeks, thin snow bridges, and exposed ground or rocks are commonplace throughout the hills. Maybe these aren't much of a problem if you're walking/hiking, but if you're planning to ride a sled or ski, you might have a hard time.

If you can make it to snow-covered slopes, avalanche conditions will be largely the same as in recent days. You may be able to push a small wet loose anywhere moist snow is deeper than your ankle. Overhead hazards such as snow clinging to rocky ledges, sagging cornices, or chunks of ice stuck to cliffs could fail without warning as the mountains shed their winter coat. These events are unlikely but may be more common during or shortly after periods of rain.

Partial clearing on Sunday night could allow the surface to firm up in some locations, creating difficult travel in the morning hours. These same areas could also result in slips and long, uncontrolled slides. Be sure to bring the right equipment to travel safely over firm surfaces and know how to use it.