Boletín de aludes

Mt Hood

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Peligro de aludes

Thu
Alta montaña
3 · Notable
Límite del bosque
3 · Notable
Bajo el límite
3 · Notable
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Desactualizado: este boletín caducó 6 years ago. Estás viendo condiciones pasadas, no el boletín vigente.

Lo esencial

Dangerous avalanche conditions linger as this week-long storm reaches an interlude Wednesday. Windblown snow will continue to build slabs and maintain the possibility of very large slabs that may have the potential to reach low elevations. In wind-sheltered areas, reactive new snow keeps the possibility of human-triggered avalanches in the forecast. Choose terrain below 35 degrees and avoid travel above creeks and cliffs. Limit your time traveling in areas, such as valley bottoms where very large avalanches may reach from above.

Problemas de aludes

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Very strong winds have been rapidly transporting snow over the last several days to build very large wind slabs. Intense weather has led to low visibility and nearly no information about higher elevation terrain. As winds begin to ease Wednesday, treat large open slopes (and slopes below them) with caution. Avoid travel on lee slopes over 35 degrees and, even in mellow terrain, limit your exposure to large slopes above you. Shooting cracks in the snow and firm or textured snow surfaces are your best clues you could trigger a wind slab--heed these clues by avoiding even small slopes over 35 degrees and giving cornices wide berth.

    (4/10/2019) This very large wind slab avalanche in April 2019 gauged deeply and ran into significantly lower elevation terrain. Note the stunted trees and open terrain in the photo and avoid similar terrain on Monday.

  • Storm Slabs

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

    Snow showers should taper on Wednesday, but with all the recent snow, caution is still warranted on any slopes over 35 degrees. Small natural avalanches, cracking in the snow surface and layers that you can feel near the top of the snowpack are all signs that you might trigger a storm slab. Steer around convex rolls and steep features. Use extra caution above gullies, creeks, and cliffs where even a small avalanche could have big consequences.

    (2/13/2021) Even a small slab like this one from Saturday at Mt Hood could bury you, especially if you were near a creek or tree well.

Avalanche Discussion

Mt. Hood Meadows has picked up about 45" of consolidated snow since Thursday morning. A widespread avalanche cycle occurred Saturday. On Sunday, freezing rain created a quarter-inch freezing rain crust on the south side of the mountain and another natural avalanche cycle was observed Monday. Meanwhile, on the north side of the mountain on a NE aspect at 6000 ft, the freezing rain crust was not present and an observer found reactive snowpack tests on a weak snow interface that pre-dates the storm cycle (2/11). Winds in the storm cycle have been strong with very strong to extreme gusts. Significant wind loading has created the potential for very large avalanches above treeline and above the NWAC forecast bands. Due to poor visibility, we have been lacking observations at higher elevations throughout the last week.

As the snow keeps piling up, the very real threat of Snow Immersion and Suffocation (SIS) increases. Travel with a partner and maintain visual or audio contact. 

Headed north to recreate?  We have a tricky snowpack with persistent slab problems in all forecast zones across the state line.  Take the time to read about the different snowpacks that have developed further north and adjust your terrain selection accordingly. 

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During the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, continue to follow the latest guidance from local, state, and federal health officials. Avoid unnecessary risks that could impact first responders and stress medical resources.  Wear a mask when appropriate, practice social distancing, and consider recreating closer to home.

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