Avalanche forecast

Mt Hood

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 8 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Winter has been making a comeback at Mt Hood, and with it comes real avalanche hazard at higher elevations.  Carefully evaluate wind loaded slopes, steering around pillow-like drifts near and just below ridgelines.   Gather information and proceed slowly before jumping onto large open slopes, especially the ones capable of producing larger avalanches.     

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Deeper and more consequential drifts have likely developed at mid and upper elevations over the last 12-36 hours, following several periods of snow and moderate to strong W-SW winds.   

    Fresh, sharp cornices and actively blowing snow will help you identify lee slopes where you should exercise caution.  If you see recent avalanches in wind-affected snow or experience shooting cracks near your feet as you travel, retreat to lower-angle or sheltered terrain.   The likelihood of natural avalanches should decrease on Tuesday, so you'll need to use small test slopes to gather information from different aspects and elevations. 

    With an early season snowpack,  you really don't want a smaller avalanche to take you for a rough ride through trees, rocks and open creeks.  Be aware of what's above and below you as you move. 

    (12/20/2025)

    Reactive snow on a wind loaded slope.

    Photo: Kyle Wyatt

Avalanche Discussion

5-8" of snow piled up Sunday night through Monday morning, with steady W-SW winds continuing through Monday afternoon.  Several inches of snow and even higher winds are expected Monday night, before storm conditions ease early Tuesday morning.  A thin, melt-freeze crust formed over the weekend, capping last week's storm snow at low and mid-elevations and limiting the amount of older snow available for wind transport.    

Since the major atmospheric river transitioned to snow late on 12/18, Mt Hood picked up roughly 2" of snow water equivalent that now rests above the 12/18 crust. Recent snow is well-bonded to the stout 12/18 crust. Observers at Timberline noted 4 distinct layers within the upper snowpack, now capped by a thin crust. 

After a rough start, the snowpack is on the right trajectory, upwards!  Ski areas are opening, and backcountry travel opportunities, where accessible, are expanding.  If it's your first time out this season, come with an early-season mindset.  The chance to hit a rock, stump, or open creek is high in lower- and middle-elevation terrain and on higher-elevation aspects stripped of snow.  Lower elevations are on the cusp of sufficient snow for recreation, with up to a foot of snow on the ground.

State and local resources are working diligently to reduce the impacts of destructive storms that occurred earlier this month. We can help by respecting affected communities, complying with road closures, and adhering to ski area uphill travel policies.

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