Snoqualmie Pass
Backcountry Avalanche Forecast
Author: Sam Clairmont
Issued: Sunday, April 5, 2026 at 6:30 PM PDT
Expires: Monday, April 6, 2026 at 6:30 PM PDT
The Bottom Line
The Bottom LineMonday will be another warm, sunny day in Snoqualmie Pass. Wet avalanches are possible on any aspect, along with snow shedding from above off rocks and cliffs. If the snow starts to feel mushy underfoot, or you find yourself sinking deep into the wet snow, shift to lower-angle slopes or more supportable snow.
Avalanche Danger
Monday, April 6, 2026
6500-5500ft2 - Moderate
5500-4000ft2 - Moderate
4000-2500ft1 - Low
Tuesday, April 7, 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. |
Avalanche Problems (1)
Problem #1: Wet Loose
Problem Type
Wet Loose
Aspect/Elevation
Likelihood
Size
A wet loose avalanche that likely started as snow shed from rocky slopes near Malakwa Pass.
Photo: AMGAWet loose avalanche activity will continue on Monday, despite slight cooling and changing cloud cover. Temperatures around the Pass haven’t dropped below freezing since April 3, and while there might be a better overnight refreeze, any surface crust will quickly soften with daytime warming. At this time of year, it doesn’t take long for surface snow to destabilize and turn easy to trigger. Fortunately, any avalanche will be confined to the upper part of the snowpack, above the burly 3/25 crust.
In general, these avalanches are trending a bit harder to trigger, but as the warm weather continues for another day, the problem isn't gone. Snow shedding off rocks and cliffs is also possible as temperatures climb.
Wet snow will first start to show in the warmest areas, generally the places receiving more sun, but as the day warms, even shaded, northerly areas could turn wet and sticky. Pay close attention to the snow under your feet. As it becomes soft, wet, and less supportable, move to lower-angle terrain or areas with more supportable snow.
Forecast Discussion
Sunday turned the heat up a notch compared to the previous days. Around Alpental, temperatures at 5000' reached 50 degrees F by midafternoon. Sunny skies continued with some light cloud cover passing through. East wind kept the Pass slightly cooler than the surrounding zones. A light surface crust was present early, but the snow turned soft by late morning. Observers near Snow Lake reported active shedding off cliffs and rocks, along with small natural wet loose avalanches in rocky terrain and couloirs.
Conditions on Monday will look similar, with a slightly better overnight refreeze and some light cloud cover. A shift to westerly winds may bring warmer air into the valleys and lower elevations, along with an increase in ridgeline wind speeds.
We’re in the first week of April, and the longer days, higher sun angle, and warm temperatures are showing their teeth. This is a good time to evaluate travel plans and anticipate the avalanche danger. If you're headed into the backcountry, start early while the snow surface is still firm and supportable. As the day warms, move away from large, steep slopes to lower-angle terrain, or consider ending your day before peak heating. Keep a healthy distance from cornices, as the warmth continues to weaken them.
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.