Avalanche forecast

Snoqualmie Pass

Northwest Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

If you are planning on taking advantage of the nice weather on Saturday to venture toward upper elevations, don’t be surprised to find a lingering Wind Slab and warmer temperatures. If you notice textured snow surfaces or firm, hollow-sounding snow, then head for lower angled slopes.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    The wind ripped through Snoqualmie Pass this past week and although we are a few days removed from the strong East wind event, we can’t rule out the possibility of you encountering a lingering Wind Slab on Saturday. We don’t believe there is a lot of snow available for transport at this point, so our focus is on the Wind Slabs formed earlier this week as opposed to the formation of new slabs. With East wind events like we experienced a few days ago, loading patterns may be different than you are used to, so pay attention as you travel to see where the snow ended up. You can look for smooth pillow-like piles of snow or textured surfaces to help you clue into wind deposited areas to avoid. You are more likely to find these slabs as you ascend in elevation, with the possibility of them being large at the highest elevations.

    (12/2/2020) Large plumes of windblown snow were great clues to indicate where the new wind slabs were forming Wednesday. Photo: Porter McMichaels, CMSP

Avalanche Discussion

The snowpack around Snoqualmie Pass is generally strong. Any avalanche activity should occur within the recent snow or at the newest interface (11/30). On Friday, NWAC team members were able to push some snow with their skis on solar slopes and verify the possibility of Loose Wet avalanches. Saturday should be cooler, particularly at lower elevations, due to the return of East winds. If you climb high enough to get out of the East flow and into the sunshine, there’s a small chance you could still encounter some Wet Loose issues. Keep your eyes open for new rollerballs or the snow surface becoming wet and sticky to help clue you in. 

As the NWAC team found out first hand on Friday, lower elevations still contain early season conditions with numerous small trees, logs, and open creeks that could ruin your day. Allow extra time to navigate these obstacles.

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.

Regions covered