Mt Hood

Avalanches will be unlikely as cooling temperatures refreeze and stabilize the snowpack. The most significant hazard will be the widespread, firm surfaces that exist across the forecast zone. Long, sliding falls have proven dangerous or even deadly on Mt. Hood over the years, so bring the proper mountaineering gear if you head into exposed terrain. 

After a warm stretch of weather, we’ll be cooling down significantly these next few days. Unfortunately, there is no meaningful precipitation associated with this system, so look for very firm and variable travel for the foreseeable future. The main story on Thursday will be increasing wind speeds that should help accelerate the re-freeze process.

The snowpack has endured a serious beating with the warm temperatures and strong winds from this past week. Most W-S-SE aspects received significant sun, so these slopes should have a crust moving forward. N-E aspects above 6500 ft are a mixed bag of wind-packed snow, scoured ice, sastrugi, and softer, faceting snow in the most sheltered-shaded pockets. 

While the avalanche danger is LOW that doesn’t mean no danger. During this period of high pressure keep some things in mind:

Wind Slabs: Most pockets of wind drifted snow have proven well-aged and unreactive. However, increasing winds could redistribute small amounts of available snow at the highest elevations into thin reactive slabs. These will be small and isolated but could be consequential in radical terrain, especially paired with our firm surfaces. Look for blowing snow or stiff textured pockets of snow to help you identify wind-loaded features. 

Long, Sliding Falls: The slide-for-life conditions will be your most significant mountain hazard around Mt Hood during this period. If you head out into exposed terrain, be sure to pack the crampons, ice axe, and importantly, know how to use this gear properly. These firm surfaces will be widespread, especially on any slope that recieved sun softening in the past days. 

Normal Caution: Avalanche conditions are generally safe, but still practice safe travel and carry avalanche rescue gear. Expose only one person at a time in bigger, steeper alpine terrain.

Let us know what you see. Submit an observation here.