Avalanche forecast

Mt Hood

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Dangerous avalanche conditions exist. You can trigger a large avalanche on Saturday where new snow accumulates rapidly because of the wind. Stay off slopes over 35 degrees with windblown snow and give cornices wide berth.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    At lower elevations and in wind-sheltered areas around 8 inches of moist snow sits on the surface. Snow levels should rise to around 4500-5000' on Saturday. The rain/snow line should be a good indicator of the likelihood of triggering a loose wet avalanche. If it is raining or you find a very wet and soft snow surface, you could trigger a loose wet avalanche in terrain over 35 degrees. Watch for signs of warming such as rain, roller balls on the snow surface and trees dripping water to indicate the snow surface weakening. Navigate around slopes steeper than 35 degrees and avoid features such as convex rolls and unsupported slopes like those above cliffs or creeks.

    (12/18/2020) This natural loose wet avalanche example is from a neighboring forecast zone.

  • Wind Slabs

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

    New snow and strong WSW winds will build fresh wind slabs which you can trigger on Saturday.  Note where actively blowing snow is being transported and avoid slopes over 35 degrees and cornices where you see new snow accumulating. The wind slab problem Saturday will likely be confined to fresh snow, but deeper, older wind slabs may still linger on the same slopes which are accumulating new windblown snow on Saturday. With poor visibility on Friday, we do not have confirmation if the warm temps Friday caused a natural avalanche cycle at upper elevations. 

    Cornices are sensitive-give them wide berth and keep out from under them.  Firm and textured snow as well as cracking in the snow are signs you could trigger an avalanche.

    (12/18/2020) Debris from a large, natural, wind slab avlanche on Mt Hood.

Avalanche Discussion

A skier was partially buried on Wednesday in a wind slab (photo below). A natural avalanche cycle occurred on Thursday, but there is some uncertainty of how widespread it was due to limited visibility. Friday's warm temperatures have consolidated the snow surface, and most wind slabs will be confined to the new snow, but older larger wind slabs may linger above 6500'. 

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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