Boletín de aludes

Mt Hood

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Peligro de aludes

Wed
Alta montaña
3 · Notable
Límite del bosque
3 · Notable
Bajo el límite
2 · Moderado
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Desactualizado: este boletín caducó 5 years ago. Estás viendo condiciones pasadas, no el boletín vigente.

Lo esencial

A continued ground blizzard near and above treeline has maintained dangerous conditions at these elevations. All exposed terrain has been wind-scoured or wind-loaded during an extended storm cycle at Mt. Hood. Avoid all potentially wind-loaded slopes steeper than 35 degrees.

Problemas de aludes

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alta montaña
    • Límite del bosque
    • Bajo el límite del bosque
    Probabilidad
    Likely
    Tamaño
    2–3

    Although we're expecting an additional 3-6 inches of snowfall by the end of the day Tuesday, it's the duration of the unrelenting wind transport near and above treeline that has us concerned. Even moderate wind speeds efficiently transport the very low-density snow on Mt. Hood onto lee slopes where they may form large or very large slabs you can definitely trigger . Limited visibility also limits our knowledge of the slab problem at upper elevations, but the remnants of a very large natural wind slab (D3.5 or D4) around 9500 ft visible above Mt. Hood meadows, remind us of the increasing size and exposure to avalanches as you ascend in the terrain. Avalanches such as these break deeply and run far distances. Continue to avoid steep wind-loaded slopes and approach upper elevation terrain an awareness of the avalanche paths that may be above you.

    Example: Dry snow redistributed by the wind. Surface textures such as these are good indications of wind transport.

    Photo: Rachel Gronvold

  • Loose Dry

    • Alta montaña
    • Límite del bosque
    • Bajo el límite del bosque
    Probabilidad
    Possible
    Tamaño
    1–2

    3-4 feet of minimally consolidated snow lacks cohesion and destabilizes when you disturb it on any slope approaching 40 degrees. There's plenty of snow to bury you at any elevation if you get it moving.  Maintain a strong awareness of potential obstacles that such destabilized snow could carry you into if you lose control. You can use your hand to test the reactivity of the surface snow as you travel. If it moves quickly downhill, consider whether you're able to manage the problem in your intended terrain. Dry loose avalanches can be triggered by humans and may push you into trees, rocks, terrain traps, or over cliffs.

     

Avalanche Discussion

Wind chills will remain below zero in exposed terrain on Tuesday. Make sure you are prepared for the conditions and think through the consequences of any accident leading to extended exposure in backcountry terrain. 

We're not fully out of a very impressive December storm cycle. Deep snow will also be a hazard until all the new snow has more time to settle. Watch out for tree wells and keep eyes on your partners. Learn more about deep snow safety HERE.

Mt Hood Meadows has picked up around 160 inches of snow in the last 2 weeks with the most recent avalanche cycle starting on 12/22 and continuing near and above treeline. 

We cannot rule out the potential for storm slabs to reactivate if we receive more snow than forecast. Use small test slopes to check for reactive layers, particularly if snowfall rates increase. You can see some examples of storm slabs triggered in and around Mt. Hood if you peruse the photo gallery.

Happy Holidays from the NWAC team and stay warm over the next week! 

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