Snoqualmie Pass

Until we receive significant snowfall, travel conditions will be the biggest hazard in the mountains. Bring the right tools to manage variable surfaces and know how to use them properly. On Thursday, increasing clouds should limit the sun's influence on the snow.

We're in a static pattern regarding the avalanche potential at Snoqualmie Pass until a major storm comes our way. There are fluctuations in the weather that make each day a little different, but by and large, they are not affecting the upper snowpack or avalanche hazard. On Thursday, the change will be increasing clouds ahead of a "storm" headed our way.  Don't get your hopes up, winter lovers. This one won't be a big snow producer and those clouds mean that slopes that have already struggled to soften in the sunshine will have even less of a chance.

So bring those sharp objects if you're headed out and know how to use them. Travel conditions are still the biggest hazard out there. In open areas, surfaces are generally smooth but highly variable. Areas of softer snow are interspersed with breakable crusts and icy slopes. Long, uncontrolled slides are possible on slick, firm crusts. In the woods, travel is reportedly worse. Tree bombs, ice blocks, and tracks combine into a frozen concoction that is difficult to navigate. Then there are the open creeks, random holes, and avalanche debris to climb over or steer around. These will add time and stress to your day, even in familiar terrain.

Looking ahead, we’re focused on the snow above and around the 1/10 crust. Reports of widespread surface hoar and near-surface facets continue to pour in. On Wednesday, NWAC forecasters in the eastern part of the zone found multiple inches of weak snow above the 1/10 crust, which was weak in its own right. These aren't an issue right now but likely will become problematic whenever it snows and we all flock to the hills to resume winter recreation. In the meantime, if you're going to find an avalanche, it will be in a wind pocket over the 1/10 crust on a far-flung high peak or in a dark corner of the zone.