Avalanche forecast

Snoqualmie Pass

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

The snow surface can give you a lot of clues about avalanche potential on Friday. Look for visual clues to help identify wind-loaded features to steer around at middle and upper elevations. If you’re standing on a firm crust, the avalanche hazard could be minimal.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Look for freshly built Wind Slabs on specific terrain features such as leeward slopes near ridgelines, cliffs, or the sides of gullies as you ascend in elevation on Friday. In some locations, they could overlay some weak snow grains and result in shallow but surprising avalanches. If you notice textured snow surfaces, fresh cornices, or small drifts behind trees and rocks, look for wind-loaded terrain features to steer around. While we expect these slabs to result in fairly small avalanches, don’t let them catch you off guard and sweep you off your feet in consequential terrain 

    (3/8/2021) This small natural Wind Slab occurred on Monday (3/8) on Wright Mountain. The slab broke near the base of cliffs and the cornice above serves as an indicator of the wind-loaded slope below. [Photo: Trevor Kostanich]

Avalanche Discussion

The weather forecast on Thursday didn’t quite pan out as we anticipated, resulting in lower hazard than predicted. That precipitation we were expecting on Thursday is now slated to arrive overnight into Friday, accompanied by some wind. The amount of precipitation on our doorstep is a bit uncertain, so be sure to take note of what you’re finding beneath your feet on Friday. If you’re standing on a firm crust without much new snow, generally safe avalanche conditions may exist. If you find that more than a few inches of snow has accumulated and there is evidence of wind effect, you’ll know to watch out for shallow Wind Slabs as you start to ascend in elevation. Depending on your aspect, new snow may overlay a firm crust, giving it the ability to run far and fast.

The upper snowpack around Snoqualmie Pass remains generally strong, and recent avalanches have been minimal. New inputs from rain, snow, and wind will be driving the avalanche hazard as we move into the weekend. With a variety of aspect-dependent snow surfaces for new snow to fall on, you should use test slopes and hand pits to check the bonding of any new snow to the old surface before stepping into consequential terrain. Continue to stay vigilant with your route planning this spring, avoiding overhead hazards such as cornices and glide slopes as much as possible. Although these avalanches are more likely during periods of warmer weather, they are unpredictable and could fail due to a variety of reasons.

During the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, continue to follow the latest guidance from local, state, and federal health officials. Avoid unnecessary risks that could impact first responders and stress medical resources.  Wear a mask when appropriate, practice social distancing, and consider recreating closer to home.

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