Avalanche forecast

Snoqualmie Pass

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Friday’s sunshine and warmth could weaken the surface snow on steep, sunlit slopes, raising the potential for wet loose avalanches. While most slides should be small, they can be dangerous if they push you into cliffs, tree bands, or terrain traps. If you notice fresh avalanches, rollerballs, pinwheels, or boot-deep wet snow, seek out shadier or lower-angle terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    After a sunny Thursday, all sun-exposed slopes should start Friday with a surface crust. These crusts will take some time to break down, depending on the strength of the overnight refreeze. Once they do, it’s time to switch aspects or move to lower-angle terrain. Expect avalanche potential to track the sun—starting on east-facing slopes before shifting to south and west. If direct sunlight reaches east-northeast or west-northwest slopes, they could also become reactive, so stay alert. While unlikely, an isolated large wet loose slide can’t be ruled out.

    Though most of our concerns are in the surface snow, continued warming will add more meltwater to an already wet snowpack, keeping glide avalanches on the radar, even if they remain unlikely. Don't linger below glide cracks.

    Finally, cornices are large and could fail during this warming trend. Stand far back and ensure you are on solid ground.

    (2/26/2025)

    A wet loose avalanche at the low elevations in the Alpental Valley on Wednesday. The deepest and largest wet loose slides were observed down low where very little new snow rests on a soaking wet upper snowpack. 

    Photo: Josh Lipkowitz

Avalanche Discussion

Temperatures spiked at the Pass Thursday under sunny skies. Mild inversions left pass level and 5500ft temps in the low 40's, while 4500' topped out at 49. Despite the warm temps and full sun, minimal wet loose activity was noted. While due-north slopes are likely still holding cold and dense storm snow, backcountry travellers and avalanche professionals in neighboring zones noted some warming on low-angle north-facing slopes, as well as east-northeast and west-northwest aspects. Anything receiving direct sun became wet and heavy on Thursday. Friday will be the warmest temperatures and lightest winds of the week. While clear skies should allow for a refreeze, it may not penetrate deeply and surfaces could break down quickly. All to say, there could be a slight uptick in wet activity as compared to Thursday. 

Depending on your elevation, you will find between 0-20" of storm snow resting on the budding 2/24 crust. The thickness and hardness of the crust will be variable. At lower-elevations, it may not yet be totally frozen. That said, aside from slight lingering glide concerns, the 2/24 is fast becoming "new ground", limiting avalanche potential to the snow above. 

Most wind slabs from the storm on Tuesday have settled out. While unlikely, be on alert for an isolated slab in steep and complex shaded terrain in the middle and upper-elevations. Rocky faces, tops of couloirs, and below cliff bands are some examples of locations where this could still be an issue. Identify wind slabs by looking for textured surfaces, dunes, or pillow-like deposits, and consider avoiding steep slopes where you see these signs.

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