Boletín de aludes

Mt Hood

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Peligro de aludes

Fri
Alta montaña
1 · Débil
Límite del bosque
1 · Débil
Bajo el límite
1 · Débil
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Desactualizado: este boletín caducó 7 months ago. Estás viendo condiciones pasadas, no el boletín vigente.

Lo esencial

As surface crusts start to break down and soften throughout the day, the chance of triggering a small wet snow avalanche will develop. Fresh rollerballs and pinwheels are your first indication that the snowpack is destabilizing. Consider how slick surfaces could be before that crust breakdown happens, and carry self-arresting tools with you to be prepared for all that the day might throw at you.

Problemas de aludes

  • Loose Wet

    • Alta montaña
    • Límite del bosque
    • Bajo el límite del bosque
    Probabilidad
    Possible
    Tamaño
    1–1.5

    Sunshine and hot temperatures can turn this problem on as the day progresses. But it will have a harder time doing so with overnight radiational cooling and daytime wind from the east. Nonetheless, if you notice you're beginning to sink into wet, mushy snow, consider steering around very steep, sunny slopes where a small avalanche could carry you into hazards such as rocks and cliffs. Fresh rollerballs and pinwheels are your first indication that the snowpack is destabilizing. Hazard is lower on slopes that lack sufficient snow coverage or where surface crusts remain hard and refrozen.

    (1/20/2026)

    Rollerballs and old small wet loose avalanches in Clark Canyon from earlier in the season.

     

    Photo: Joe Dellaporta

Avalanche Discussion

Mt. Hood saw quite a bit of sun and temperatures that rocketed into the 50s (F) at all elevations on Wednesday. Thursday will be even warmer and sunnier. However, there will be two factors working in our favor. One is that cloud cover on Wednesday night will largely clear, allowing for more radiational cooling and subsequent crust formation. The second is that wind from the east will bring cooling on Thursday. Neither of these weather inputs will be enough to totally fend off all warming and weakening on sunny slopes, but we have to take the wins where we can get 'em these days.

Rime ice coated parts of the upper mountain early last weekend, creating firm and slick surfaces. Since then, we've had 2 rounds of light precipitation, wind, mild temperatures, sun, and now overnight cooling. Bring the tools to self-arrest a fall in case you find yourself above steep, icy slopes. Better to have them and find softer conditions than be forced into a high-consequence slide situation. 

Drier snow and wind slabs are probably no longer lingering in portions of the upper elevation band or higher on the mountain. But if you find yourself at elevations with recently drifted dry snow, ponder the consequences of triggering a wind slab avalanche on steep lee slopes. It's unlikely you'll get the red flag feedback of recent avalanches or shooting cracks. If you're unsure, you can always back off and choose simpler or more wind-sheltered terrain.   

In areas with low snow cover, be prepared to safely navigate stream crossings, exposed rocks, and other obstacles not typically encountered mid-winter. 

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

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