Snoqualmie Pass

Low avalanche danger provides good conditions for exploring the hills, though you may have to contend with some variable surfaces and thin coverage down low. Lingering wet avalanche issues are unlikely to cause trouble unless they result in a slip in exposed or high-consequence terrain. The major hazards to look out for are shallow obstacles like rocks, stumps, creek beds, and trees.

Enjoy the sunshine and low hazard while you can! 

Wednesday was the balmiest day yet at the upper elevations near the Pass, as temperatures reached 51°F at the Alpental Summit at 5470', but remained a cool 22°F at 4350'. Moderate east winds at pass level kept things socked in and cold down low. This period of calm, sunny weather at higher elevations and cold, cloudy inversions below 4500' may stick around for another day or few, but changes are on the horizon! Thursday’s forecast looks to bring much of the same conditions with a slight drop in temperature up high above the inversion. Lower elevations below 4000-4500' stay cold while higher terrain should see sunny skies and mild temperatures. Some clouds may develop at mid to upper elevations in the afternoon, but they’re not expected to have a major impact on travel conditions.

On Wednesday, NWAC forecasters explored Stevens Pass, and we expect their findings to be pretty representative of the Snoqualmie Pass zone as well. They were pleased to find soft, dry snow on northerlies, but reported some breakable crusts and challenging surface conditions on southerlies. Roller balls were observed on a few steeper southerly slopes, but overall avalanche hazard was minimal. Reports from Crystal Mountain Pro Patrol and NWAC forecasters over at White Pass painted a similar picture of generally safe avalanche conditions with only isolated minor instabilities.

The main takeaway, aside from the lovely weather and generally fun sliding conditions, is that though snow coverage is solid for early December, it varies greatly depending on elevation, aspect, and even within smaller terrain features.

As you plan your travel tomorrow, keep thin coverage and variable surface conditions in mind. If you’re heading for steeper, more consequential terrain, think carefully about the risks of a fall.

If you get out, we’d love to hear about it! Share a quick trip report or a photo from your day in the mountains.