Avalanche forecast

Snoqualmie Pass

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Wind-drifted pockets will grow as another storm brings additional snow to the Pass. Since the winds will continue to flip-flop directions, you could encounter slabs on both sides of the same ridge. Be leery of firm pillow-like drifts, especially in high-consequence terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    Shallow wind slabs will continue to get bigger and become more widespread as another storm impacts the area. Expect wind-loaded pockets along exposed ridges and near rocky areas like cliffs and chutes. 

    Blowing snow may help you identify some wind loaded areas, but given how much the winds continue to shift back and forth, you could see slabs on any aspect. Look for textured surfaces and pillow-like pockets. These are often the spots you want to avoid. In some cases, these wind slabs could trigger very easily or even break above you. So, while they are small, they could catch you off guard.

    A remotely triggered wind slab on Friday. N, 6100ft (3/8/2024) Photo: Micah Hoover

Avalanche Discussion

NWAC is devastated to report the death of one of our Avalanche Forecasters, Matt Primomo. Tragically, Matt passed away in a non-avalanche accident away from work on Thursday, March 7th. Matt has been a key member of the NWAC family since 2017. His life in the mountains touched so many people. We are absolutely heartbroken. Please join us as we mourn this immense loss with Matt’s family, friends, and community.

Discussion:

This second storm doesn’t really favor the Pass. However, the front should be pushing through during the morning, and it could be rather stormy right out of the gate. As winds shift more SW behind the main front, showers will start to favor the zone and could add a few more inches of snow to the meager storm totals. 

There’s also a chance of rain at pass-level tomorrow afternoon. Near and below the rain-snow line, you could find wet heavy snow. This shouldn’t pose much of a risk unless it pushes you into a creek. Similarly, with the afternoon showers, you could see a few sun breaks. This time of year, that quick bump in temperatures often results in piles of rollerballs and a few very small wet loose slides. 

Avalanche professionals around the zone on Saturday noted variable crusts at lower elevations on SE-S-SW aspects. In more shaded terrain, soft snow continued to linger with a few small near surface facets and some patchy surface hoar. All these surfaces were buried in the afternoon as snow began to fly. As you travel, pay attention to this new interface (3/9). Deeper in the snow, you can still see most major layers all the way back to the Early February Crust. However, profiles continue to show the upper snowpack is well-settled, strong, and right–side-up. 

The faucet should turn on for the Pass Sunday night. As it does so, the avalanche danger will start to rise at all elevations.

Regions covered