Snoqualmie Pass

Cold temperatures, cloudy skies, and a few inches of new snow should allow for generally safe avalanche conditions. Travel, however, could be firm and icy on steep slopes with plenty of obstacles to keep you on your toes. 

Sunday’s storm won’t quite arrive in time to have much of an impact on the avalanche danger. While much of the day should be quiet, convective showers could bring moments of stormy weather in the afternoon. This may include periods of intense snowfall, gusty winds, and limited visibility. Sometimes these squalls last a few minutes, sometimes they hang around longer. All total, we’re only expecting an inch or two of new snow at middle and upper elevations and a bit of rain near Pass level by the end of the day. 

Strong winds should easily blow any new snow around and could form some very small, shallow slabs about the size of a dining room table. These tiny wind loaded pockets shouldn’t pose much danger. Evidence of older wind affected snow from this past week has been reported in more open, exposed terrain. Any wind slabs would now be several days old and hard (but maybe not impossible) to trigger. Basically, if you’re going to find an avalanche of any consequence, one of these older wind slabs would probably be it. If you see firmer pillow-like slabs, take time to discuss the consequences of that terrain. Where you can, look for lower angled or wind scoured slopes to navigate around potential avalanches. 

If there’s an upside to the recent weather, it’s that the snowpack is strong and stable. The burly 3/25 crust is either at or very near the surface throughout the terrain. While you may find wet weak snow underneath this layer, it’s not a concern at this time. Last week, 4-6 inches of snow fell at higher elevations around the Pass. This snow has generally been incorporated into the 3/25 crust on sunny slopes. Meanwhile, pockets of softer, dry snow can be found on shaded aspects at middle and upper elevations. 

Under the current conditions, travel hazards continue to be one of the biggest dangers. Many slopes are firm, irregular, and unforgiving. Open creeks, random holes, frozen avalanche debris, exposed rocks, and downed logs make travel tricky. Take your time and plan for longer, more convoluted routes than normal.