Snoqualmie Pass

Say goodbye to the warm, sunny weather we've endured for the better half of the past month. Expect more clouds, wind, and cooler temperatures than you've encountered in a while. Travel conditions will be the most significant hazard on Thursday, but as soon as the storm hits, dangerous avalanches will become front and center.

Thursday will be a transition day as we move from warm and sunny to cold and snowy. A long-awaited winter storm is on our doorstep and will begin Thursday night. Ahead of the main event, expect filtered sunshine to give way to increasing clouds and winds during the day. Temperatures should slowly fall, ending the spring-like conditions experienced throughout much of the past month. We've had some messaging about blocks of snow falling off rocky ledges, cornice collapses, or icefall in recent days. While that threat has lessened due to lowering temps and the loss of sunshine, it may not be eliminated. Keep an eye on what's above you.

If you've read the forecast or been in the mountains in January, you have a pretty good idea of what to expect on the ground on Thursday. For roughly the past week, sun-exposed slopes have been going through a melt-freeze cycle, and shaded slopes are "faceting out," aka getting weak. You'll find a variety of other surfaces throughout your travels, including breakable crust, wind-pressed snow, and firm icy crusts. Under tree cover, challenging travel conditions exist due to irregular frozen surfaces. Bring the correct tools to navigate these slick surfaces properly and know how to use them. 

With snow expected to be measured in feet this weekend (albeit with a Snoqualmie twist), it's time we all get our heads back in the avalanche game. This is a unique snowpack setup for the Cascades, and there will be plenty of avalanches. The lack of a discernable pattern for the distribution of weak snow makes it difficult to pinpoint aspects or elevations that will be problematic. So we want to hear from all of you. If you've never submitted an observation before, this is the time. We want pictures and information from every nook and cranny of our zone. Let us know what kind of surfaces you're finding on Thursday. As we move into the weekend, we need to know how reactive the new snow is and where. If you don't want to blow up your spot or are feeling insecure about your observation skills, submit an observation anonymously.