Avalanche forecast

Snoqualmie Pass

Northwest Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

The mountains will change quickly on Friday. Expect danger to increase as you ascend and as the new snow gets deeper. Most of the avalanche hazard will be confined to where winds drift the new snow into firmer slabs.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Strong winds should easily drift the new snow into slightly firmer and thicker slabs. As more snow falls, they will only grow larger and more widespread throughout the day. If you start to find evidence of wind slabs lower in the terrain, expect them to get bigger and more dangerous closer to the ridgelines. 

    Since the problem will be forming in front of you, there are simple clues to identify wind-loaded terrain. Blowing snow clearly indicates local wind patterns and which slopes are loading with additional snow. Sharp drifts and textured surfaces also point toward possible wind slabs. 

    While most of these slides should be relatively small, they could knock you off your feet and take you for a rough ride in these early season conditions.

    (2/18/2023)

    Example: Signs of wind loading to look for Friday. 

    Photo: Dallas Glass

Avalanche Discussion

It’s nice to see snow in the forecast for the Pass! However, the timing of this storm will create rapidly changing conditions right during the middle of the day. Expect the danger to continue to grow and peak later during the day and periods of heavier snowfall. On the plus side, a transition from rain to snow and cooling temperatures should help the new snow stick to old surfaces and create right-side-up storm snow. 

Prior to this system, observers reported a wide variety of snow surfaces. This includes surface hoar (see photo below). While we don’t expect this to survive the onslaught of wind and rain, it’s worth using small slopes and hand pits to check on the upper snowpack just below the old surface. 

Sadly, it will take more than this storm to significantly improve the travel hazards. Creeks, rocks, logs, holes, shrubs, and trees all still exist and can make even easy travel routes quite treacherous. Curb the new snow excitement. Take it slow and give yourself time to deal with the persistent early season conditions.

Regions covered