Avalanche forecast

Mt Hood

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

The weight of a climber or skier could still trigger an avalanche in wind-drifted snow on Thursday. Ease into steeper terrain and check the sensitivity of these wind loaded pockets before stepping onto steep slopes above 6500 ft. Early season hazards are still abundant and can easily exacerbate the consequence of being caught in an avalanche. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Strong winds on Tuesday afternoon drifted available snow into stiffer and more stubborn slabs than days prior across upper elevations. While these slabs may be tougher to trigger, the potential size of these avalanches could still be large in heavily loaded alpine terrain. With that, consider carefully evaluating wind drifted snow before committing to steeper lines. 

    Look for these slabs to lurk on the leeward side of ridges and canyons, beneath cornices, and on the breakover on convexities in exposed terrain. You can use quick hand pits or small test slopes to check the sensitivity of these slabs. Shooting cracks or hollow-sounding snow are signs that you found an unstable snow. 

    (11/27/2024)

    Backcountry travelers observed shooting cracks on Wedneday. Shooting cracks like this are clear signs of instability that you should not ignore.

    Photo: Aldis Raisters

Avalanche Discussion

We’re in for a dry pattern for the foreseeable future. Many folks will likely want to push into alpine terrain, but please recognize that observations are limited this time of year. Ease into larger objectives slowly and take the time to evaluate the early season snowpack. 

Thursday is forecast to be a touch warmer under mostly sunny skies, so you could see a few rollerballs on steep slopes with a southerly tilt. However, with the low sun angle this time of year and the variability of new snow over the recent crust, we don’t think the wet loose problem will materialize into anything significant. 

Backcountry travelers on Wednesday continued to report signs of instability in wind-drifted snow ( observation here) and more widespread wind-affected surfaces than days prior thanks to strong alpine winds on the afternoon of 11/26. Another observer in Green Apple Creek reported a strong, right-side-up structure and good travel conditions until the slope angle steepened along solar aspects due to the recent warming. 

If you get out, let us know what you see by submitting a public observation!

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