Lawinenlagebericht

Mt Hood

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Lawinengefahr

Tue
Hochgebirge
2 · Mässig
Waldgrenze
2 · Mässig
Unterhalb
1 · Gering
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Kernpunkte

The dry weather ends with a mix of precipitation expected to begin Monday.  A couple of inches of new snow at upper elevations along with increasing winds will refresh leeward slopes. Rain at lower elevations may cause another round of minor wet avalanche activity. Monitor changing conditions throughout the day and pay attention if you transition into wind-affected terrain.

Lawinenprobleme

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Plenty of wind-drifted snow exists near and above treeline and sits on a firm crust formed January 6th. Additional snow and wind Monday may thicken existing slabs or create new ones. Wind slabs could be reactive to human traffic on unsupported slopes greater than 35 degrees. Cornices also grew during the past week of stormy weather and could fall on slopes below acting as huge triggers. Carefully assess the surface snow using test slopes and hand pits before committing to bigger terrain. If you find shooting cracks or recent avalanches, choose supported slopes sheltered from the wind. 

    In the alpine, at least one very large natural avalanche occurred during the recent storms. Although similar avalanches are unlikley, this outlier event should give you pause if you venture high on Mt Hood. 

    (1/8/2022)

    Formations of wind drifted snow like these could indicate wind slabs on nearby slopes (E, 6300ft)

    Photo: Andrew Kiefer

  • Loose Wet

    • Hochgebirge
    • Waldgrenze
    • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
    Wahrscheinlichkeit
    Possible
    Größe
    1–1.5

    Large variations in temperature are expected on different aspects of the mountain, with elevation, and time of day. Warm air will eventually overcome lingering cool air by afternoon. A variety of precipitation types could fall from the sky, but any prolonged periods of rain will be the driver of potential wet avalanches. The lower elevation snowpack has taken a beating lately and should handle another thaw well. Regardless, watch for rollerballs, pinwheels, or snow shedding form rocks and trees. Seek out slopes with low consequence away from terrain traps where you find wet, unconsolidated snow surfaces.

    (1/7/2022)

    Small natural wet loose avalanche (D1) along Hwy 35 (NE aspect, 3100ft)

    Photo: Andrew Kiefer

Avalanche Discussion

The snowpack got a chance to settle and stabilize this weekend after a major loading event January 2-7 brought 5-7+ feet of snow and caused a widespread natural avalanche cycle. Mt Hood Meadows Ski Patrol triggered a handful of wind slabs 6-12in deep with explosives Saturday and Sunday. Otherwise, observers reported good riding conditions and beautiful sunny weather with few signs of unstable snow. On the east and south sides of Hood, loose wet activity was muted by cooler temperatures and wind Sunday. Expect a series of wetter, milder storms to kick off Monday.

The most notable avalanche from the cycle last week was a very large natural on the upper Newton Clark Glacier. The crown was easily 10ft deep in places and debris reported ran 4500ft down into Newton Canyon. Many smaller avalanches ran during the storm in wind drifted snow as well, along with reports of natural cornice falls. Wet avalanche activity was also widespread below the treeline. Surfaces are a mixed bag with rain rills at lower elevations, 6-12in of wind-affected snow above a crust at mid-elevations, and scoured icy surfaces and deep wind drifts in the alpine.

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