The Bottom Line: Expect the warmest temperatures of the winter, so far. Warming, sun, and uncertainty of the snow layers at upper elevations will maintain heightened conditions. If you are heading to higher slopes, use caution on slopes 35 degrees and steeper.
Snow and Avalanche Discussion
Thursday was pretty quiet in the Snoqualmie Pass area. We did not receive reports of any new, notable avalanches. However, evidence of Wednesday’s avalanche cycle was easy to find. Debris from several large and very large avalanches was observed on Denny Mountain and around Source Lake.
Very large natural avalanches on Chair Peak from Wednesday’s avalanche cycle: Photo: Jeremy Allyn
The layer of buried surface hoar from January 17 is not as prevalent near Snoqualmie Pass, as it is in the nearby Stevens Pass and East-Central zones. That doesn’t mean it is absent. You would be most likely to find this persistent weak layer 1-2 ft below the snow surface in areas near Stampede Pass, or valleys outside of the main Pass locations.
The lower elevation snowpack continues to creep and glide under the weight of recent rains. While no glide avalanches have been reported, they are on our mind. If you see crevasse like features on a slope, limit you exposure by avoiding traveling on or below these areas.
Expect difficult travel conditions at lower elevations including breakable crust, wet heavy snow, and open creeks.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Recent storm snow should be gaining strength. However, we have a high degree of uncertainty at higher elevations. You may still trigger lingering storm slabs on very steep slopes, near convex rollovers, or in unsupported terrain. If you see evidence of wind drifted snow, storm slabs in these areas may be deeper and easier to trigger. A little patience and caution will go a long way if you are traveling into alpine areas or more remote locations.
