Avalanche forecast

Mt Hood

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 7 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Triggering an avalanche is possible on wind-loaded, upper-elevation slopes or where the snow feels sticky and wet. Pay close attention to signs of recent wind loading and warming as you move from slope to slope. Use caution in big terrain where a small avalanche can be consequential. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Moderate to strong W-SW winds have drifted recent acculations into slabs across leeward terrain features above 6500 ft. Most of these slabs will likely be small, but I wouldn't fully rule out larger releases in heavily wind-loaded alpine terrain or in isolated areas with weak snow at new/old snow interface. With the warmer temperatures, slabs may show fewer signs of reactivity. Be the most suspicious of these slabs in steep, leeward terrain greater than 35 degrees, on unsupported terrain features, or below rock and cliff bands that often collect wind-drifted snow. 

    You'll want to use visual clues to help you identify where the wind has been at work. Look for rippled snow surfaces, sharp cornices, and blowing snow to help you pinpoint nearby slabs. As you move through terrain, tweak small test slopes and use snowpack tests to gather information on slab reactivity. Cracks shooting out from your skis or feet are obvious clues that you found an unstable drift.

     

    (1/11/2026)

    A large crown from several weeks ago in upper Newton Canyon. Be most suspicious of steep, unsupported terrain like this at upper elevations. 

    Photo: Joe Dellaporta

  • Loose Wet

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

    Flip-flopping freezing levels, some sun, and just enough recent accumulation may set the stage for some wet loose avalanche activity in steep terrain, particularly on steep sun-exposed slopes near rocks. These won't be big, but these could run easily on the slick underlying crust. Be mindful of wet loose instabilites in consequential terrain where a small avalanche could push you off your feet. Look for rollerballs shedding, sticky snow surfaces, and sluffs fanning out below your feet as clear signs that you should stick to simpler terrain. 

    (4/4/2025)

    Rollerballs like this are signs the surface is becoming wet and weak.

    Photo: Joe Dellaporta

Avalanche Discussion

While this storm system has been light by PNW standards, it has offered the Mt. Hood area a nice refresh of dense new snow above 6000 ft. Thursday night into Friday will bring flip-flopping freezing levels, some clearing, and some more light precipitation during the afternoon hours. With these warmer temperatures, the avalanche problems may blend between dry or wet or wet and dry, depending on aspect and elevation. Be observant and pay close attention as you change aspects. 

Leading up to this snowfall, the Mt Hood area had a garden variety of surface conditions. Melt-freeze crusts of varying thicknesses were present on most west, south, and east aspects. Northerlies held onto dry snow surfaces with a mix of isolated near-surface facets, old firm drifted snow, and decomposing crusts. On some north-facing terrain, recent observations have highlighted weak snow surfaces but also weak layers 1-2 ft below the snow surface. While triggering an avalanche on these deeper layers is unlikely during this time, it might not be impossible where the wind has built dense slabs over this structure. 

If you head out in the mountains, let us know what you see by submitting a public observation here. 

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