Avalanche forecast

Snoqualmie Pass

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 8 months ago.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

Highlights

Warming temperatures may allow for wet avalanche activity. Look for destabilizing snow wherever direct sunlight can hit the slopes. If you start to see small avalanches, or roller balls, move to shadier or lower-angle terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    Wet avalanches are possible on Monday as temperatures continue to rise. A temperature inversion is also expected along the Pass.  Valley fog and east flow will keep low elevations feeling cold, while mid and upper elevations warm more significantly.

    Inversions can be tricky when trying to stay on the cold side. Monday may present with multiple freezing levels through the elevation bands. You'll want to pay close attention to the snow around you. If you notice trees and rocks shedding or small wet point releases, it is time to shift to shadier or colder terrain, which in this case may also mean descending rather than climbing.

    (12/23/2025)

    Loose avalanches caused by snow shedding from trees onto a steep slope. This is a good indicator of destabilizing surface snow.

    Photo: Andy Harrington

Avalanche Discussion

Sunday was another busy day across Snoqualmie Pass, offering the first real break in weather since the action begun a few weeks ago. Expect similar conditions on Monday, with slightly warmer temperatures and a stronger temperature inversion in the valleys. Friday night's storm dropped 10–15" of low-density snow in the Alpental Valley, with even more at higher elevations. Snow depths have improved considerably, now ranging from 3 to 5 feet on the ground. Avalanche activity has been limited to shallow wind slabs near ridgelines and cliff bands. No significant activity has been observed on the 12/24 or 12/18 crusts.

Even with all the new snow, low elevations remain a bit shallow. As the snow settles, obstacles hidden just beneath the surface will become easier to identify. For now, with fluffy snow still barely concealing rocks and stumps, tread lightly in low-lying areas.

There is still a small chance of triggering a wind slab in steep, isolated terrain at upper elevations in Snoqualmie Pass. If you plan to take advantage of the good weather and climb higher, stay cautious on wind-drifted, rocky slopes. If triggered, these slabs could break larger than expected.

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