Avalanche forecast

Mt Hood

Northwest Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Sunshine and warm temperatures may cause another round of small wet avalanches. Give steep, sunny slopes some space if you notice instability such as rollerballs or pinwheels initiating. Be prepared for firm travel at higher elevations by equipping yourself with the proper gear to reduce the risk of a long sliding fall. 

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1–1.5

    As the sun and temperatures rise, you may encounter small wet loose avalanches on sunny slopes. Once the sun burns off the thin surface crust, you may notice the rollerballs initiating soon after.  These wet slides will likely be small and isolated, since most sunny slopes have already gone through this process multiple times. However, this wet snow should still be on your mind, especially if you decide to travel in more consequential terrain where a small slide can have a less-than-ideal outcome.  

    Use visual clues to help you identify slopes of concern, by looking for rollerballs and pinwheels initiating. These are indicators that larger, wet loose avalanches may soon follow. Give yourself some space from steep, sunny slopes if you see these signs. 

    (1/25/2023)

    Look for rollerballs like this to help you identify slopes of concern as the day warms up. 

    Photo: Jere Burrell - Guided Exposure

Avalanche Discussion

On Wednesday, the Mt Hood Meadows Pro Patrol reported variable surface conditions across their terrain. At higher elevations, they reported firm and rough skiing conditions, but giving into softer wet snow at mid and lower elevations.  

High wind speeds have stripped and sculpted terrain in the alpine, creating a mixed bag of surface conditions.  At these elevations you will likely encounter firm travel with the slip-and-fall hazard being the greatest concern.  Prepare yourself for these conditions by bringing the proper gear such as an ice axe and crampons to help you mitigate this hazard. 

At the highest elevations on the north side of Mt Hood, you may still find preserved, soft snow. In these isolated areas, you may still find stubborn, old wind slabs or even fresh shallow ones forming as NW winds ramp up during the afternoon. These will likely be small and isolated (if it even occurs), however, it will be good to be in tune with the changing conditions as the day progresses.  

If you get out to enjoy the day, let us know what you see by submitting an observation! Even just a simple picture can go a long way. 

Regions covered