Mt Hood

Firm, icy surface conditions will likely be the greatest hazard you encounter. Be prepared to arrest a fall, especially in the morning hours and at upper elevations. As the snowpack thaws throughout the day, avoid cornices and watch for wet, slushy snow on steep sun-exposed slopes.  

Warm temperatures and sunshine look to continue through the workweek. Normally, a significant and prolonged thaw like we are experiencing would have us concerned. However, there are several factors that have prevented an avalanche cycle this time around: 1) Long winter nights and generally clear skies continue to allow the snowpack to freeze hard by morning. 2) The low sun angle limits the duration and intensity of sunshine on snow surfaces, and a thick surface crust is slow to melt. 3) Two wet avalanche cycles and nearly two weeks of predominantly above freezing temperatures have transitioned the snowpack to be able to handle more unseasonable warmth. For now, another spring-like day will create little change in conditions and avalanches will remain unlikely. 

If you plan to ski, ride, or climb Mt Hood on Tuesday, keep the following in mind:

1. Slide for life conditions exist during the morning hours at all elevations. These conditions were confirmed by an observation over the weekend. Consider your ability to self-arrest and the tools you have to do so before traveling on an icy slope. 
2. Large cornices remain a hazard with continued sun and warm temperatures. Give cornices a wide birth on ridges and don't linger on the slopes beneath them.
3. Winds will become variable and decrease in speed Tuesday. Snow surfaces below 7000ft in direct sun could soften earlier than on previous days. Once this transition occurs, you may be able to trigger small wet loose slides on steep SW-S-SE slopes. These avalanches are primarily a concern near terrain traps where they could push you into rocks, trees, creek beds, or over a cliff.
4. Falling rime ice continues on the upper mountain. Wear a helmet and avoid traveling under the rime ice features during the heat of the day.  
5. Many glide cracks, moats, and bergshrunds have opened up and pulled away from rocky outcrops. Identify and avoid these features, especially if you notice new cracks form or existing cracks widen.

Mt. Hood picked up 2in of water equivalent January 19-20; most of that water fell as rain or freezing rain into the alpine. A few inches of snow fell at the tail end of the storm. Strong NW winds through early Friday blew or sublimated much of that snow off the mountain. Overall travel conditions have been challenging lately. But, with good timing on the right slope, you can ride spring-like corn by late morning or afternoon. Many people enjoyed the sunny weather over the weekend. Check out some recent observations HERE and HERE.