Snow cornice Snow cornice A snow cornice or simply cornice (from the Italian cornice meaning "ledge") is an overhanging edge of snow on a ridge or the crest of a mountain and along the sides of gullies. They form by wind blowing snow over sharp terrain breaks (e.g. the crest of the mountain) where it attaches and builds out horizontally. This build-up is most common on the steeper and leeward sides of mountains. Cornices are extremely dangerous and travelling above or below them should be avoided. When a cornice "collapses", it breaks in from the cornice to the top of the peak;
Snoqualmie Mountain Snoqualmie Mountain Snoqualmie Mountain is the tallest peak in the immediate vicinity of Snoqualmie Pass in the North Cascade Range of Washington state, U.S. Its shape is often described as "amorphous" or "blob-like", although it does display a steep north face dropping down to the Middle Fork of the Snoqualmie River. The boundary of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness crosses the summit of Snoqualmie Mountain. The south ridge, ascending from Cave Ridge between Snoqualmie Peak and Guye Peak, is a non-technical hike. To reach Cave Ridge, either ascend from just south of the Snow Lake trailhead near Alpental to the west,