Avalanche forecast

Snoqualmie Pass

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 8 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

You could trigger an avalanche on steep, rocky slopes at mid and upper elevations, as well as on sun-exposed aspects during the warmest part of the day. Avoid lingering wind slabs by sticking to simpler, less wind-affected terrain. As the sun warms the snow, watch for dampening surfaces as a signal to move to shaded aspects.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    You could still trigger an aging wind slab at mid and upper elevations. As time goes on, wind drifts are likely to become stiffer, harder to trigger, and also hard to test for. Fortunately, wind speeds are expected to be light through Sunday, minimizing any new growth.

    Look for visual clues to identify wind loaded terrain, such as lens-shaped surfaces, sharp wind lips, or dense, wind compacted surface snow. If these things are present, slopes down wind may be wind loaded. If triggered, these slabs could break larger than expected. The safest move is to stick to simpler, wind sheltered terrain for another day.

    (12/23/2025)

    A sizable slab was observed in the Chair Peak area a few days ago. Seeing avalanche activity like this is a clear sign that similar avalanches are possible in the surrounding zone.

    Photo: Andy Harrington

  • Loose Wet

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

    As temperatures rise and the sun shines, wet avalanches will become increasingly possible on southerly aspects at low, mid, and upper elevations. As the snow trends warmer, there will be signs such as snow turning sticky and heavy, trees and rocks shedding built-up snow, and roller balls forming on steep slopes. This problem should be pretty straightforward to navigate: as temperatures climb, move to shaded slopes or stick to lower-angle, sunny terrain. 

    (12/13/2025)

    A small fresh wet loose on a steep, SE aspect. This is a great indicator of warming surface snow, and a great time to move to less sunny slopes.

    Photo: Joe Dellaporta

Avalanche Discussion

Today, forecasters visited Source Lake to assess the new snow and check for avalanche activity. Friday night’s storm delivered 10–15 inches of low-density snow to the Alpental Valley. It was a busy day, with multiple parties traveling into mid elevations to take advantage of the fresh snowfall. No avalanche activity was observed around the lake, but several groups reported wind-loaded slopes at mid and upper elevations. 

Sunday should be another beautiful day across the western Cascades, with high-level clouds and slightly warmer midday temperatures. East flow on Sunday may help to minimize warming across the Pass, but it may not kick in till late in the day.

State and local resources are working diligently to reduce the impacts of destructive storms that occurred earlier this month. We can help by respecting affected communities, complying with road closures, and adhering to ski area uphill travel policies.

Regions covered