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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Veraltet — dieser Lagebericht ist last year abgelaufen. Du siehst vergangene Verhältnisse, nicht den aktuellen Bericht.

Kernpunkte

Avalanche conditions will become more dynamic as you gain elevation on Monday. Stay on your game as you move from slope to slope since strong winds from various directions have a tendency of loading unusual features. Despite the recent accumulations, firm snow surfaces are still prevalent and will require the proper gear and skill to navigate safely. 

Lawinenprobleme

  • Wind Slabs

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

    You’ll have two flavors of wind slab to consider on Monday:

    1. The first will be the fresh wind slabs that form from the 1-3 inches of snow forecast for Sunday evening. These will generally be soft and shallow, but could easily trigger during the morning hours. Look for these on the typical leeward slopes. These will often lurk below cornices, on the downwind side of ridges, and scattered through the alpine. 

    2). The second is the stiffer, denser wind slabs formed during our strong east wind event on Sunday, 3/30. These hard slabs will range in size and depth but could be more consequential if triggered. East winds will often load up unusual aspects (like west aspects) or cross-load terrain features, so keep these hard slabs on your radar as you change slopes or ski into canyon terrain.

    Pay attention to terrain features that promote drifting and look for surface clues, such as ripples and dune-like drifts. Wind slabs will often look textured and may still be stiffer under your skis or feet. Pump the brakes and steer around steep wind-loaded slopes if you notice shooting cracks, drum-like surfaces, or recent avalanche activity.  

    (1/30/2023)

    An example of a small, hard wind slab that was triggered after a similar type of east wind event back in 2023. While many surfaces may feel scoured, stay observant as you change aspects on Monday.  East wind events have a tendency to create 'sneaky slabs'. 

    Photo: Joe Dellaporta

Avalanche Discussion

While recent accumulations have been light, conditions have improved, especially above 7500 ft. Mid and lower-elevation areas have experienced more pronounced temperature fluctuations, making conditions generally firm and challenging the lower you are. As you crest above 7500 ft, you start noticing more soft, drifted surfaces and, as a result, more heightened avalanche conditions. 

Whether you’re traveling at below 7500 ft or across exposed terrain in the alpine there are still plenty of firm surfaces that demand the proper ‘sharps’ gear in steep terrain. While a few inches of snow should improve riding in lower angled terrain, it may just act as dust on crust on steep slopes. 

The bulk of wet avalanche activity has come and gone. Most surfaces are firm and supportable; that being said, during daytime warming, pay attention to boot penetrations and consider steering around steep features if you notice yourself sink past your boot top in wet, mushy snow. 

If you get out into the mountains, let us know what you see by submitting a public observation here.

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