Snoqualmie Pass

You will find a very strong and often icy snowpack Wednesday. While this will limit any avalanche hazard, it will also create difficult and sometimes dangerous travel conditions. Give yourself plenty of time to navigate through variable snow surfaces.

A very robust snowpack exists across the Snoqualmie Zone resulting in generally safe avalanche conditions. While you may encounter a wide variety of snow surfaces, the upper snowpack mostly remains the same. Expect alternating layers of firm crusts, refreezing wet snow, and strong rounded grains. In some locations, a few inches of softer snow on the surface may cover the most recent crust and slightly improve travel conditions. On Wednesday, a solidly frozen surface will struggle to thaw on any slope due to cool temperatures, mostly cloudy skies, and a gentle breeze. 

Many reports from the Snoqualmie Pass region continue to highlight variable snow conditions. You may find pockets of dry snow, breakable crust, icy slopes, frozen avalanche debris, and wide-open creeks. This makes traveling much harder and, in some instances, dangerous. At upper elevations, very firm and icy slopes may create the potential for long and uncontrollable slides.  Make sure to give yourself extra time and bring any tools you need to deal with these challenging 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.