Snoqualmie Pass

Cooler weather will allow the wet snow surface to freeze and gain strength. This should limit any avalanche concerns to extremely isolated slopes. Instead, you’ll need to prepare to navigate demanding travel conditions including breakable crust, icy slopes, and numerous obstacles.

Rain soaked the upper snowpack at all elevations around Snoqualmie Pass Tuesday and Wednesday. Now, colder temperatures will refreeze the snow surface and limit any avalanche danger. The Pass received 1.3” of precipitation this week, nearly all of it as rain. Wet avalanches don’t just stop because the thermometer reads below freezing. Large chunks of the snowpack could continue to glide off smooth ground surfaces. Any remaining potential glide avalanches should be very isolated. However, if you see crevasse-like glide cracks, give these slopes and areas below them a wide berth. Early Tuesday morning a smooth rock slab naturally avalanched at Alpental Ski Area and serves as a reminder that water can easily weaken the base of the snowpack. 

Recent weather wreaked havoc on the snow leaving us with variable and potentially difficult travel conditions. Expect wet heavy snow, breakable crusts, and icy slopes. The snowpack at lower elevations eroded during the warm and wet weather amplifying early season conditions. You will likely encounter numerous open creeks, downed logs, and exposed obstacles. Give yourself extra time to deal with these demanding conditions.

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.