Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Snoqualmie Pass.
The avalanche danger is low. However, non-avalanche terrain hazards are present due to the thin snowpack. Also, be prepared to self-arrest if traversing steep and icy slopes.
Detailed Forecast
Partly to mostly cloudy Monday with light winds and moderate freezing levels. This will not change the overall low avalanche danger and there are no highlighted avalanche problems expected in the Cascades.Â
As a general backcountry travel safety note, watch for terrain hazards (exposed rocks, trees, streams, etc.) at lower elevations and on wind scoured aspects. On non-solar aspects with a slick and supportable crust, take extra caution when traversing steep slopes and be prepared to self-arrest if necessary. Â
Snowpack Discussion
Mild temperatures and a few light rain showers were received Saturday, followed by cloudy weather and a slight cooling trend Sunday. This has not appreciably changed the overall stable snowpack and current low danger.
West of the crest, about 5-15 inches of snowfall a week ago Sunday, followed by about 3 to 7 inches of rain on Monday with a warming trend through last Monday. This led to a natural avalanche cycle west of the crest.
Dry and unseasonably warm weather followed the rain this past week, through Friday. This has allowed the snowpack to drain, consolidate and generally reset the upper or even entire snowpack. Melt-freeze crusts of varying thicknesses have formed during the clear nights midweek with generally only southerly aspects softening. On some windward or southerly aspects, there is little snow cover.Â
Most slopes should now have mostly supportable melt-freeze crusts as were reported Sunday in the Mt Baker area.Â
Recent ski conditions have generally been, well, very poor to say the least.