Mt Hood

Avalanche conditions are generally safe, but still be on the lookout for signs of instability in wind-drifted areas at upper elevations. Do your homework before committing to larger slopes, and steer around pockets if they sound hollow or see shooting cracks. Even a small avalanche can have a bad outcome if you get pushed into rocks or other early-season terrain traps. 

Friday will bring more of the same to the Mt Hood zone with light mixed precipitation and steady, moderate wind speeds. The last week has brought 1-2" inches of water equivalent, fluctuating freezing levels, and strong winds from multiple directions. This pattern left a mixed bag of conditions across the zone. Generally, you'll likely encounter a crust extending to 6500 ft and dry snow (but quite variable) travel above. 

On Thursday, I skied along with the Mt Hood Meadows Pro Patrol and gathered information from Heather Canyon. We found the rain crust extending to approximately 6500 ft. Above this, we observed dry snow and variable travel due to recent strong winds. Along upper Heather Canyon, we observed some isolated cracking in wind drifted snow, but observed minimal movement with ski cuts. Generally, we found these wind slabs gaining strength and trending towards unreactive. Another observer on the south side reported 1-2 inches of snow on the recent crust and observed shallow instabilities in wind drifted snow on west aspects due to recent east winds. 

A few things to keep in mind during this period of low danger:

• Even though it's low danger, there are still avalanche problems in isolated areas out there. During these periods, you can still encounter pockets of unstable snow, especially in wind-loaded areas at upper elevations. Still travel cautiously by exposing one person at a time and be on the lookout for signs of instability before committing to larger terrain features. 
• Recent strong winds have stripped surfaces in exposed alpine areas. Still be prepared with the 'sharps' (crampons & ice axe) to help you travel more efficiently and reduce the chance of a long sliding fall.
• Early-season conditions and barely submerged hazards exist throughout middle-elevation terrain. Wind-stripped aspects and ridgelines may also have little to no coverage at upper elevations. Rocks, roots, grass, and stumps will exacerbate any fall or small avalanche. 

If you get up on the mountain, let us know what you see by submitting a public observation.

NWAC may issue a gray "No Rating" for an elevation band when there is not enough snow to present an avalanche hazard.