Snoqualmie Pass

While we expect generally safe avalanche conditions Thursday, you may still encounter isolated pockets of unstable snow. As temperatures warm you could see blobs of snow, small loose slides, and ice shedding from steep rocky faces. Keep an eye on the slopes above you so one of these isolated avalanches doesn’t catch you by surprise.

Several weather and snowpack factors will play tug of war on Thursday. A solid overnight freeze, stout surface crust, and high thin clouds should all help the snowpack remain strong and stable. However, sunshine and warming temperatures will try their best to soften the snow and create wet avalanche issues. We think any of these wet snow pockets will be isolated to steep rocky slopes where the sunshine and warm temperatures will have the best chance of heating up the snowpack. While we expect the surface to remain firm and solid, if you start to see new rollerballs or encounter wet sticky snow, the scales may be tipping in the wrong direction. This doesn’t mean conditions will become scary, but it should cause you to keep an eye out for similar terrain above your head. 

We’d give similar advice regarding lingering ice, blocks of snow, and cornices. Warm temperatures, particularly at mid and upper elevations, could cause some of these objects to fall down without warning. Fortunately, the solution is rather simple. Look for routes that help limit the amount of time you need to spend under these overhead hazards. 

Avalanche professionals at the Pass on Wednesday reported blowing snow and very thin wind drifted slabs along ridges and the base of cliffs. This fits right in line with what we’ve been talking about for several days. These tiny pockets of wind-affected snow don’t seem to pose much risk to you as a traveler. However, don’t let one of them knock you off your feet if you’re traveling above a cliff or other consequential slopes. 

Recent observations from around the Pass report variable snow surfaces with firm icy slopes, crusts, and pockets of older soft snow. Many travelers have been using this spell of nice weather and general stable conditions to push deeper into the zone and onto some of the larger peaks. They have typically reported low avalanche hazard throughout their extensive travels.