Avalanche forecast

Snoqualmie Pass

Northwest Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

Highlights

Be mindful of steep, sunlit slopes above 4500', where shedding snow or large rollerballs could catch you off balance in hazardous terrain. Expect varied travel conditions with a range of crusts—some firm, others less reliable. Shady, north-facing slopes are likely to hold colder snow and more enjoyable sliding.      

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1

    Wednesday's weather looks a lot like Tuesday's, with any lingering wet loose avalanche potential likely limited to exposed, rocky, terrain above 4500' basking in the sun. Warm overnight temperatures above the inversion clouds might limit the depth of the refreeze on some slopes, leading to crusts breaking down earlier in the day than anticipated. Snow surface conditions can shift rapidly with small changes in aspect or slope angle, so watch for warning signs like recent avalanches, rollerballs, or sinking past your boot tops in wet snow. If you encounter these signs, it's time to shift to a cooler slope. 

    Minimize your risk by traveling on firm, supportable crusts, avoiding overhead terrain showing signs of warming, and opting for cooler, shaded slopes on the northern half of the compass.

    (12/2/2024)

    Roller balls releasing in on a sunlit slope are warning signs for wet avalanche potential.

    Photo: Robert Shughart

Avalanche Discussion

Tuesday delivered the same weather cocktail but with bit more bite. 20-30 MPH east winds at the Pass kept things cold and cloudy. High temperatures reached 27°F at 3000', a chilly 21°F at 4350', and a balmy 47°F at 5740' at the Alpental Summit— a mid-mountain to summit difference of 18°F per 1000'! This observation from Stevens Pass reflects the general conditions we expect in the mountains around Snoqualmie Pass. Crystal Mountain Pro Patrol reported large rollerballs entraining snow but failing to travel far or trigger wet loose avalanches, reinforcing the picture of generally safe avalanche conditions. 

With stable weather, a low December sun, and several days of melt-freeze cycles, wet avalanche activity appears to have peaked. Most slopes that were likely to slide have already done so, leaving fewer areas vulnerable to further activity.

On Wednesday, highly variable snow surfaces deserve your attention. Early December isn’t known for delivering much in the way of corn skiing, and crust variability could make travel both challenging and dangerous. Carefully plan your route to avoid overhead hazards and prepare for challenging conditions, including mushy snow late in the day if you're traveling in the sun. At lower elevations, obstacles like creeks, brush, and exposed rocks remain prevalent, so allow extra time for your exit.

If you make it out, please share a few sentences or photos from your day in the mountains.

Enjoy the sun while it lasts!

Regions covered