Snoqualmie Pass

You may have to climb through some low-level clouds to soak in Wednesday's sunshine and warm temperatures. Avalanche potential should be minimal, but travel conditions could make this more challenging than you’re used to this time of year. Any avalanche will likely be in a wind-loaded pocket at upper elevations or a steep sunny slope.

Snoqualmie Pass picked up a couple of inches of snow on Tuesday before rising temperatures resulted in more of a mist. Although some gusty winds accompanied the storm, there likely isn’t enough new snow to create an avalanche problem. 

On Wednesday, freezing levels are expected to elevate in combination with sunshine. However, it's the winter solstice this week, so the sun’s influence should be minimal. Even so, you might see some rollerballs on steep slopes or snow shedding from trees and rocks. If that’s the case and you are sinking in moist snow past your ankle, be suspicious of small, loose avalanches on steep, sun-exposed slopes. 

At the highest elevations or in extreme terrain, you could find some small shallow pockets of wind-drifted snow. Look for them near rocky features or on the leeward side of ridgelines. They could be sensitive and run on the underlying crust (12/19 interface).

Gushing creeks, exposed boulders and logs, holes, and variable surfaces have provided challenging travel conditions over the past week for backcountry travelers. Expect this to continue until we get more significant snowfall. Fingers crossed, that happens soon.