Snoqualmie Pass
Backcountry Avalanche Forecast
Author: Andy Harrington
Issued: Saturday, April 11, 2026 at 6:30 PM PDT
Expires: Sunday, April 12, 2026 at 6:30 PM PDT
The Bottom Line
The Bottom LineAn incoming storm will keep skies cloudy, with showers possible, at Snoqualmie Pass on Sunday. Difficult travel conditions and natural hazards might be more problematic than avalanches at this point. But a rogue block of snow shedding from rocks or a small wet loose slide can't be fully ruled out.
Avalanche Danger
Sunday, April 12, 2026
6500-5500ft1 - Low
5500-4000ft1 - Low
4000-2500ft1 - Low
Monday, April 13, 2026
6500-5500ft1 - Low
5500-4000ft1 - Low
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. |
Forecast Discussion
Instead of warm and sunny like it has been for the better part of a week, Saturday was drippy and cloudy at Snoqualmie Pass. You can expect similar weather on Sunday as a system moves north throughout the day.
Much like Saturday's storm, we don't expect this next wave to change avalanche potential significantly. But you may be able to push a small wet loose slide on any snow-covered slope where you're sinking into the surface deeper than your ankle.
Otherwise, those overhead issues blurring the line between general mountain hazard and avalanche problem should continue to be on your radar. Blocks of snow shedding from rocks or cliffs, rotten snow near rocky outcrops, or sagging cornices are all common in spring and should be considered when planning your day. These isolated events are impossible to predict, but if you happen to be in the vicinity when one occurs, it could be consequential.
Snow coverage at the Pass varies greatly with aspect and elevation. Open holes and creeks, thin snow bridges, and exposed ground or rocks are commonplace throughout the hills and will likely become more widespread as we get more rain. Maybe these aren't much of a problem if you're walking/hiking, but if you're planning to ride a sled or ski, you'll undoubtedly encounter longer travel times than you're used to.
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.