Reports from Snoqualmie Pass indicate a natural avalanche cycle occurred overnight Tuesday into Wednesday. At lower elevations rain created wet loose and slab avalanche conditions. Poor visibility Wednesday limited observations into higher terrain.
The weak snowpack structure seen near Stevens Pass and the East-Central region does not seem to be as prevalent in the Snoqualmie area--that does not mean it is absent. We were able to find buried surface hoar near Cottonwood Lake/Roaring Ridge last week. An
observation from Sunday also suggests an old weak snow layer may be present. This layer could exist 1-2 feet below the snow surface. If you experience any collapsing, or see larger avalanches, it’s time to dial it back and avoid avalanche terrain nearby.
While no glide avalanches were reported, its rain events like this that bring glide avalanches to our minds. Glides avalanches can occur days after the precipitation ends and temperatures cool. If you see crevasse like features on the snow, avoid traveling on or below these slopes.