Lawinenlagebericht

Mt Hood

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Lawinengefahr

Sat
Hochgebirge
2 · Mässig
Waldgrenze
2 · Mässig
Unterhalb
1 · Gering
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Veraltet — dieser Lagebericht ist 2 years ago abgelaufen. Du siehst vergangene Verhältnisse, nicht den aktuellen Bericht.

Kernpunkte

Look for avalanche danger to increase as the day progresses, especially in wind drifted locations above 6000 ft. Steer around steep slopes if you notice blowing snow, smooth- textured surfaces, or shooting cracks under your feet or skis. Plenty of early season obstacles still exist, which can worsen the consequence of a small avalanche. 

Lawinenprobleme

  • Wind Slabs

    • Hochgebirge
    • Waldgrenze
    • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
    Wahrscheinlichkeit
    Possible
    Größe
    1–2

    With 6-8 inches of recent snow to blow around and increasing winds with slight warming, look for wind slabs to build in size and become more sensitive as precipitation intensifies later in the day. At the start of the day, these slabs will likely be small, but these may grow large enough to be a problem in the later afternoon hours above 6000 ft. These slabs will form on a variety of surfaces, from crusts on solars to potentially weaker grains along N-E aspects, so carefully evaluate the bond to the pre-existing surface before stepping into consequential terrain. Some slabs could break wider than you may expect if they do fail on weak snow. 

    Winds will blow from the SW but switch more SE’erly during the day, so you may find these slabs on a variety of aspects. Look for blowing snow, cornice formation, and rippled surfaces to help you identify wind-loaded features. 

    As the winds pick up and snow rates increase, simplify your terrain. Avoid slopes being actively loaded or if you notice other signs of instability, like shooting cracks or hard over soft layering. 

    (2/27/2024)

    Choose more sheltered terrain if you notice active drifting or poor visibility like this. 

    Photo: Joe Dellaporta

Avalanche Discussion

On Thursday, Mt. Hood weather stations picked up 4 inches of new snow on unusually light winds. This new snow covered up a variety of surfaces depending on aspect. On solars (SW-SE), it fell on a stout sun crust. And on shaded slopes below 7000’, new snow covered up a mix of lightly faceted snow or even surface hoar. At upper elevations, it fell on old drifted snow or scoured ice.  We'll be in for a stronger system that arrives on Friday evening. This storm will bring a solid shot of precipitation and wind to the Mt Hood zone, so look for more dangerous avalanche conditions to follow on Saturday. 

The take-home is that avalanche conditions may change significantly in the coming days depending upon what aspect and elevation you are on. I expect the new snow to be well bonded to the old snow surface at lower elevations and on non-wind loaded slopes, but it may be touchy in areas where wind is building new slabs on old crusts or surface facets. Take the time to assess the new snow stability when you change aspects and pay attention to cracking, collapsing, and rapid changes in snow density as you travel.

 

If you get out, let us know what you find by submitting a public observation ! 

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