Avalanche forecast

Mt Hood

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
3 · Considerable
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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Get ready for another storm cycle with increasing avalanche danger during the day.  Strong to extreme west winds will form wind slabs further downslope and below ridgelines than usual.  As the storm ramps up,  you are likely to trigger avalanches on any slope steeper than 35 degrees where you find freshly drifted and firmer snow. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2

    We're right back to the snow and wind on Thursday.  Winds are going up a notch versus the last storm cycle which was no slouch even by Mt Hood standards.  For Thursday,  this means you may find firm wind slabs in unusual places and aspects or on open slopes well below treeline.  Watch for shooting cracks as you travel for signs of increasing hazard.  As the storm ramps up, plan to avoid all wind-loaded slopes steeper than 35 degrees, choosing lower angle and more sheltered terrain. 

     

     

    (12/12/2020) Bennett Ridge. A shooting crack in a thick deposit of wind drifted snow is a warning sign you could trigger an avalanche on nearby slopes.

Avalanche Discussion

A freezing rain crust formed Monday up to roughly 6500-7000' from observations on both the north and south side of the mountain.  Up to 10" of snow accumulated above the 2/22 crust Monday night through Tuesday in wind-sheltered areas. Despite days of strong-extreme west winds and over 3" of water-equivalent Sunday - Tuesday, very large avalanches were not observed on the upper mountain during a rare sunny day on Wednesday with good visibility.  Wind slabs that were reactive on Tuesday had trended stubborn to unreactive by Wednesday morning.  

Active wind transport and firm 2/22 freezing rain crust on Ghost Ridge near Cloud Cap Rd. Video by Heiko Stopsack submitted on Tuesday 2/23.

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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