Snoqualmie Pass
Backcountry Avalanche Forecast
Author: Andy Harrington
Issued: Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at 6:30 PM PDT
Expires: Thursday, April 2, 2026 at 6:30 PM PDT
The Bottom Line
The Bottom LineStormy weather will increase avalanche potential on Thursday. You're more likely to trigger an avalanche in wind-loaded terrain or on convex features. Use small test slopes or quick hand pits to gauge how much new snow there is and where potential failure points exist.
Avalanche Danger
Thursday, April 2, 2026
6500-5500ft3 - Considerable
5500-4000ft2 - Moderate
4000-2500ft1 - Low
Friday, April 3, 2026
6500-5500ft2 - Moderate
5500-4000ft2 - Moderate
4000-2500ft1 - Low
Avalanche Danger ScaleLearn moreGeneral InfoGeneral Information1 - LowLow2 - ModModerate3 - ConsConsiderable4 - HighHigh5 - ExtrExtreme
1 - Low | 2 - Moderate | 3 - Considerable |  4 - High |  5 - Extreme | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Travel Advice | Generally safe avalanche conditions. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features. | Heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern. | Dangerous avalanche conditions. Careful snowpack evaluation, cautious route-finding and conservative decision-making essential. | Very dangerous avalanche conditions. Travel in avalanche terrain not recommended. | Extraordinarily dangerous avalanche conditions. Avoid all avalanche terrain. |
| Likelihood of Avalanches | Natural and human-triggered avalanches unlikely. | Natural avalanches unlikely; human-triggered avalanches possible. | Natural avalanches possible; human-triggered avalanches likely. | Natural avalanches likely; human-triggered avalanches very likely. | Natural and human-triggered avalanches certain. |
| Avalanche Size and Distribution | Small avalanches in isolated areas or extreme terrain. | Small avalanches in specific areas; or large avalanches in isolated areas. | Small avalanches in many areas; or large avalanches in specific areas; or very large avalanches in isolated areas. | Large avalanches in many areas; or very large avalanches in specific areas. | Very large avalanches in many areas. |
Avalanche Problems (1)
Problem #1: Wind Slab
Problem Type
Wind Slab
Aspect/Elevation
Likelihood
Size
(3/27/2026)
A human-triggered wind slab avalanche from earlier in the week occurred after only a few inches of snow had fallen. Note how the slope is convex, unsupported, and near rocks.
Photo: Eddie Schoen
While you may find upside-down snow or sensitive pockets in sheltered terrain, the largest and most consequential slides are expected to be on wind-loaded slopes. Look for visual clues such as actively blowing snow, textured surfaces, or new drifts to help identify leeward aspects. Then you can steer around convexities, rocky outcrops, or steep open slopes below ridgelines where wind slabs are more likely to form.
Using uptrack tests, small test slopes, or quick hand pits can help you identify the depth and reactivity of the new storm snow. Look for heavy snow over weaker snow or slab failures as an indication to dial back your terrain choices to simpler, lower-angled slopes.
Forecast Discussion
As of Wednesday evening, a winter-like storm is impacting Snoqualmie Pass, bringing wind, rain, and snow. Temperatures are expected to lower overnight as precipitation intensifies before transitioning to a more showery pattern on Thursday. Winds will shift direction multiple times throughout the forecast period and should be strong enough to transport snow onto leeward slopes.
With a mixed bag of surfaces prior to this storm, it's no shock that the sensitivity of the new snow may vary. In some locations, new snow may be falling directly on the 3/25 crust, while in others, it will cap a handful of inches of previously dry snow. With a warm start to the storm, the bond to the crust may be favorable. On shaded slopes holding onto dry snow, there could be an upside-down layer. Be sure to check all the snow down to the 3/25 for potential failure points.
Although not an official problem, this is spring, and the threat of wet loose slides always seems to linger. As mentioned above, the storm started wet with rain reaching the mid-elevation band. If temperatures don't cool as we think or bump back up during the heat of the day on Thursday, you may be able to push small wet slides on steep slopes. Any triggered avalanche, wet or dry, loose or slab, could potentially run well on the 3/25 crust.
Before Wednesday's rain, travel had improved marginally at lower elevations, but that may no longer be the case. As we flip back toward snow, hazards that were easily visible just a day or two ago could be partially hidden. Holes and creeks have been with us all season long and will continue to be throughout the spring.
This information is provided by the U.S.D.A. Forest Service and describes general backcountry avalanche hazard and conditions.
It does not apply to ski areas and highways where avalanche mitigation is conducted.