Avalanche Forecast

Don’t overlook the huge volume of water we just received in a relatively short amount of time. Several notable avalanches have been reported in the past few days and are still possible to trigger at upper elevations, where the snow is drier and deeper. Use caution on slopes 35 degrees and steeper, convexities, and unsupported slopes where you could trigger avalanches more easily. As temperatures continue to cool and more time passes, these avalanches will become less likely. Below ~5000 feet, rain effects are significant, creating heavy snow, decreased avalanche danger, and difficult travel conditions. 

Observations continue to be limited around the Snoqualmie area at upper elevations, leading to a higher than normal degree of uncertainty. If you are out, please let us know what you see by submitting an observation here. 

Release of a soft cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within the storm snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slab problems typically last between a few hours and few days. Storm-slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.

You can reduce your risk from Storm Slabs by waiting a day or two after a storm before venturing into steep terrain. Storm slabs are most dangerous on slopes with terrain traps, such as timber, gullies, over cliffs, or terrain features that make it difficult for a rider to escape off the side.

Storm slabs usually stabilize within a few days, and release at or below the trigger point. They exist throughout the terrain, and can be avoided by waiting for the storm snow to stabilize.