Avalanche forecast

Snoqualmie Pass

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Shifting winds could make it harder to identify exactly which features hold potentially wind-drifted snow. Look for sharp cornices and textured surfaces to point towards the steep wind-loaded slopes that you may want to avoid.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    New snow and moderate winds Thursday likely formed fresh thin wind slabs on a variety of aspects around the Pass. However, the wind directions are changing. So, you’ll need to look for older clues to see exactly which slopes might hold wind slabs. Sharp cornices, textured surfaces, and drifts behind rocks/trees should all point in the direction of wind-loaded terrain. Use these observations to anticipate and avoid steep wind-loaded features as you travel. You’ll commonly find wind-affected snow near ridgelines, on exposed features, along the base of cliffs, and in rock-walled chutes. While these slabs should be relatively thin, they could trigger quite easily. With such a shallow snowpack, there are plenty of obstacles to hit if you take an unexpected ride in an avalanche. 

    (12/3/2022)

    Sharp cornices and textured surfaces like those seen here point at wind loaded terrain. 

    Photo: Dallas Glass

Avalanche Discussion

Friday will be a relative break between storm systems. Without much additional snow, the avalanche danger will likely remain much like it was Thursday. So far, (as of 4pm) the Pass has received 4-6 inches of new snow. While these modest snowfall amounts might not catch your attention, sustained moderate winds possibly formed slabs up to 10-12 inches deep. As the winds shift and strengthen yet again Friday afternoon, you may see additional wind transported of snow. 

Fortunately, outside of these shallow slabs, observations from earlier this week suggest the snowpack is generally right-side-up and strong. You may still find old storm snow interfaces and/or crust layers. However, a lack of recent avalanches and significant snowpack tests suggest there are not any common layers of concern. 

Exposed obstacles such as open creeks, holes near rocks, and shallowly buried trees continue to produce one of your greatest hazards. Make sure you give yourself time to navigate around these early-season challenges.

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