Lawinenlagebericht

Mt Hood

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Lawinengefahr

Mon
Hochgebirge
2 · Mässig
Waldgrenze
2 · Mässig
Unterhalb
2 · Mässig
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Kernpunkte

Another sunny and warm day will renew wet avalanche concerns on steep sunny slopes. Default to shadier terrain once you notice rollerballs shedding or sticky wet snow under your feet or machine. Above 7000 ft, use caution around wind drifted slopes and assess for instability before committing to bigger terrain.

Lawinenprobleme

  • Loose Wet

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

    The sun and warm temperatures will renew the wet avalanche problem once the surface crust breaks down. You'll initially see signs of warming and wet avalanches beneath rock bands or on steep slopes with direct sun exposure. As the day progresses, you may notice signs of warming on east and west aspects as well.

    Rollerballs, pinwheels, or sticky, sloppy snow surfaces usually indicate that surfaces are becoming wet and weak. Look for more shaded aspects once you start noticing these signs. 

    If you see slides breaking into slabs, gouging deeper, or growing larger, the scales have tipped, and you’re dealing with a much more dangerous wet avalanche beast. Put space between you and these slopes.

    (3/30/2024) Photo: Lauren Walker

    You could trigger similar wet loose avalanches on steep sunny terrain on Sunday. 

  • Wind Slabs

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

    While wind slabs are generally healing up, you could still find a lingering unstable slabs in upper elevation terrain that promotes drifting. Be cautious and assess slopes that appear wind textured and loaded. These slabs often lurk on the downwind side of ridges & canyons, below cornices, in upper mountain chutes, and beneath rock and cliff bands. You can use quick pits or small test slopes to help you gauge the sensitivity of these slabs. Pull back from wind loaded features if you notice shooting cracks or hollow-sounding snow under your feet or skis. 

    Additional Discussion:

    Large cornices exist across many ridges and canyons around Mt Hood. They often fail much farther back than expected. During these warm sunny periods, they can become weaker and easier to trigger. Give these some space, especially with the warming trend. 

     

    (3/13/2024)

    Visual  clues help highlight where wind slabs may occur.

    Photo: Dallas Glass

Avalanche Discussion

Preliminary Report: NWAC is saddened to report an avalanche fatality as a result of a cornice fall on Mount St Helens. On Saturday, March 30, 2024, a snowboarder summited the peak. While standing near the top, he triggered a cornice and fell to his death. Our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and community.

Discussion:

Saturday was a beautiful day in the Mt Hood zone. Backcountry travelers reported wet snow surfaces below 7000 ft and triggered small wet loose avalanches within the recent new snow. At higher elevations, observers reported plenty of wind affected surfaces, stubborn old wind slabs, and good riding conditions. Sunday will bring a rinse and repeat, just with an uptick in north winds. This increase in north winds could create a generation of shallow wind slabs at higher elevations. 

We suspect many people will be eager to climb high on the mountain with a beautiful weekend on tap. Despite this warm and calm weather at the trailhead, you'll still encounter a winter-like snowpack with real avalanche concerns as you gain elevation. Continue to practice safe travel techniques and always carry avalanche rescue gear.

If you get out this weekend, let us know what you see by submitting a public observation here.

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