Bollettino valanghe

Snoqualmie Pass

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Pericolo valanghe

Wed
Alta quota
2 · Moderato
Limite del bosco
2 · Moderato
Sotto il limite
1 · Debole
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Non aggiornato — questo bollettino è scaduto 2 years ago. Stai vedendo condizioni passate, non il bollettino in corso.

In sintesi

Most slopes aren’t very dangerous. The risk comes from the possibility for blocks of snow to shed from rocky faces due to the warm sunny weather. Pay attention to what’s above you and don’t linger under very steep craggy slopes.

Problemi valanghivi

  • Glide Cracks

    • Alta quota
    • Limite del bosco
    • Sotto il limite del bosco
    Probabilità
    Unlikely
    Dimensione
    2

    Snoqualmie Pass has plenty of terrain capable of producing classic glide avalanches. However, during this time, we’re taking a broader view. You could encounter blocks of snow falling from steep rocky faces that might include chunks of cornices, glide slabs, or simple shed-style avalanches. No matter the exact type, ultimately the message is the same. The hazard has more to do with the slopes above you than the snow under your feet. Don’t dilly-dally underneath snow covered rocky slopes during this prolonged warm period. 

    Fortunately, these shed-o-lanches should be few and far between. As a result, it might not be particularly dangerous out there, but it’s also not typical “Low Hazard.”

    (1/26/2025)

    Glide cracks were observed on the north face of Chair Peak. Glide avalanche are notoriously difficult to predict and can release without warning. Don't linger below, especially during periods of prolonged warming.

    Photo: Trevor Kostanich Ski Guide

Avalanche Discussion

The cold temperature inversions at the trailhead might cause you to question the avalanche forecast’s fixation on warm weather. However, above the chilly inversions, temperatures are quite warm and should be even warmer on Tuesday. Multi-day above freezing events are always tricky to forecast. Sometimes the snowpack handles the change well, others it produces natural avalanches. Given the strong temperature inversions, prolonged dry period, and generally very cold snowpack, it’s even harder than normal to pin this forecast down. 

A clear night on Monday will help wet snow surfaces freeze solid. Expect steep southerly slopes to be quite firm to start the day. Sunshine and warm temperatures will cause them to soften during the morning and provide spring-like snow despite the date on the calendar. We don’t expect this soft corn snow to produce notable wet loose avalanche issues. However, if you start to sink into wet snow deeper than your ankle, the scales are tipping and it’s time to head to somewhere more frozen. 

“Variable” seems to come out of everyone's mouth when describing travel conditions at the moment. Steep southerly slopes have undergone repeated melt-freeze processes making them the most predictable. However, lower angled terrain and other aspects hold a wider variety of surfaces. Breakable crusts, wind textured snow, firm chalk, icy slopes, and pockets of recycled powder (facets) all exist. The most challenging conditions continue to be the icy, irregular snow down in the forest. 

Observations continue to report sparkly facets and surface hoar on many slopes. Sometimes these weak sugary grains are capped by a thin crust. At the moment, none of this matters. However, it is worth tracking as we head towards a pattern change later this week.

Regioni coperte