Avalanche forecast

Snoqualmie Pass

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Avalanche danger will peak Saturday morning with freshly formed wind slabs at mid and upper elevations. Activity is expected to decrease through the day as snowfall slows, and wind speeds drop. As you climb higher in elevation, stick to wind sheltered terrain or lower angle slopes to limit your hazard. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    If you’re headed out early Saturday morning, wind slabs should be your primary concern. Slabs will be actively forming as light new snow is stripped from exposed areas and deposited below ridges, cliff bands, and on leeward slopes. Slabs will be most sensitive first thing in the morning, becoming lesser so as the day progresses. While wind slabs will be most prevalent at mid and upper elevations, a wind pillow or two could form in particularly vulnerable locations at lower elevations. Natural avalanche activity is possible at upper elevations, so avoid lingering beneath large, steep slopes.

    Visual observations will be your best tool for assessing avalanche hazard. Look for natural avalanche activity, shooting cracks, unusually deep or dense snow, and sharp, fresh wind lips along ridgelines. These are all signs of recent wind loading. Stick to wind-sheltered, lower-angle terrain to reduce your chances of triggering an avalanche.

    (3/10/2025)

    A small intentionally triggered wind slab avalanche, sliding easily on a crust below. Though this photo is from last season, it is a great example of what to expect Saturday.

    Photo: Dallas Glass

Avalanche Discussion

Today, forecasters traveled to Microwave Hill via snowmobile from the Gold Creek Sno-Park. As expected, the snowpack remains very thin, with 20–25 inches on the ground at 5,000 feet. Nevertheless, the snow-covered roads provided sufficient coverage for riding. Riders beware, leaving the road exposes you to tons of trees, rocks, and stumps that are exposed or lurking just beneath the surface.

A couple inches of fresh snow was found on top of the December 24th crust, with snowfall and wind intensifying steadily. By Saturday morning, the Pass could receive 6–10 inches of low density snow across all elevations. Additional snow accumulations are possible thanks to a convergence zone overnight Friday, potentially allowing an uptick in avalanche activity.

Upper elevations continue to be the zone of greatest uncertainty. Limited observations, telemetry, and access has made the upper elevation snowpack feel like a book with missing pages. For those of you headed up high on Saturday, watch for unexpected results. If in doubt, stick to wind-sheltered, lower-angle terrain.

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.

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