Avalanche forecast

Mt Hood

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
No rating
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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Firm or breakable crusts limit avalanche danger to upper elevations on Mt Hood where a recent lack of observations raises the uncertainty. Danger could be locally higher than forecast with 3" or more of snow above the last crust, so be prepared to dial back your terrain selection accordingly. Steer around steep slopes where winds redistribute slabs 6" or deeper.

 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    We're expecting small, shallow slabs to build above firm or breakable crusts with around an inch of snow and moderate winds gusting strongly through early Thursday.  Most of these slabs are not expected to be large enough to harm you, but in isolated locations on the opposite side of heavily scoured ridgelines, you could find a 6" drift that could take you for a ride. If such a slab knocks your feet in very steep or extreme terrain, you may sustain injuries.

    Your focus while traveling should be on whether the assumptions that validate this forecast are correct in your terrain (see the forecast discussion). If dry snow above any crust increases to 3" depth, the hazard may be in the "moderate" range, indicating that slabs may be more extensive within the terrain. If the average depth exceeds 6", treat the forecast as though it is "considerable" hazard, an increase in avalanche side and distribution warrants avoiding all wind-loaded slopes steeper than 35 degrees until you make a thorough assessment.

    Example: Wind-scoured and textured snow surfaces on Pea Gravel Ridge above firm or breakable crusts.

    Photo: Andrew Kiefer

Avalanche Discussion

While there's always some uncertainty with new snow amounts, most of the uncertainty surrounds the upper elevations on Mt Hood where recent crusts may or may not extend to the highest elevations of NWAC forecast terrain. This forecast assumes the most likely scenario that warm weather has created at least one, if not multiple crusts up 8500 ft or higher. 

1-2" of water equivalent arrived as a combination of snow, freezing rain, and rain during a period of rising temperatures Monday through Tuesday evening. This left breakable 0.5" to 1" crusts on the snow surface up to at least 6500 ft and lie just below a skiff of snow at 7300 ft. Since that time, the mountain has dried out with temperatures holding steady or dropping slightly; and the freezing line hovered just below 6500 ft.  Evidence of the recent rain on snow can be seen in the rain runnels at middle elevations (photo in gallery).

Travel conditions remain front and center at all elevations:

  • Slick or breakable crusts could make travel or riding difficult. Arresting a fall may be difficult without appropriate 'sharps' for self-arrest. Carefully consider your preparedness and the consequences of a fall before crossing any steep, icy slopes.
  • There simply isn't enough snow to recreate at lower elevations, so NWAC has transitioned these elevations to "No Rating."
  • Early-season conditions and barely submerged hazards exist throughout the middle-elevation terrain. Wind-stripped aspects and ridgelines may also have little to no coverage at upper elevations. Rocks, roots, grass, and stumps will exacerbate any fall on ice or potentially a small avalanche.

If you get up on the mountain, let us know what you see by submitting a public observation.

NWAC may issue a gray "No Rating" for an elevation band when there is not enough snow to present an avalanche hazard.

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