Avalanche forecast

Snoqualmie Pass

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Despite the cooling temperatures and a dusting of new snow, wet snow avalanches can still occur. Consider travel routes and techniques that reduce your exposure to steep rocky slopes overhead. Large chunks of snow could shed from these locations and cross common travel routes.

Avalanche problems

  • Glide Cracks

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    2

    A common glide path at Alpental ski area naturally avalanched early Tuesday morning near the onset of the rain. Wet slides like this can occur days after temperatures cool and snow returns. Rain fell well into the alpine during this storm and a relatively thin early season snowpack could allow the water to quickly reach the ground. This can weaken the base of the snow allowing the entire snowpack to glide off of smooth rock slabs and grassy slopes. Predicting when and where these avalanches may happen is extremely difficult, but the fact one already occurred gives a clear warning. Instead of gambling by walking under steep rocky slopes, give yourself a wider margin of safety by traveling around runout zones, spreading out while traveling through unavoidable terrain, or simply selecting alternate routes to reduce your exposure.

    (12/7/2020) This glide avalanche on Rock Face at Alpental occurred much early this winter. Recent wet and warm weather could cause similar slopes to produce avalanches.

Avalanche Discussion

As temperatures cool you should see the generally wet upper snowpack begin to freeze. This should gradually reduce the avalanche hazard. This takes time and you could encounter isolated pockets of wet unstable surface snow early in the morning. As the snowlevel drops, mid and upper elevations could receive a dusting of snow. This additional precipitation should not present a significant new snow hazard. 

The greatest danger you may face Wednesday could be challenging travel conditions. Wet, heavy snow in the morning will slowly freeze becoming breakable and crusty before it finally turns icy late in the day. Combine this with numerous early-season obstacles and you have your work cut out for you. Give yourself extra time to navigate and manage 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.

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