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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 23rd, 2015–Feb 24th, 2015
Alpine
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Mt Hood.

Small loose wet avalanches will most likely be found above treeline Tuesday. 

Detailed Forecast

Generally light winds and cooling temperatures are expected Tuesday. 

As a result of the cooling, loose wet avalanches should be less likely, but possible in the late morning or near midday, on steeper solar slopes near and above treeline. 

Due to the low snowpack, especially below treeline, watch for terrain hazards such as open creeks, partially covered rocks and vegetation. Many areas below treeline do not have enough snow (new or existing) to pose an avalanche hazard. 

Snowpack Discussion

Since the wet start to February, fair weather through mid-February has led to generally thick surface crusts, as well as further deterioration of the snow cover below treeline.

A few weak weather disturbances passed through in NW flow aloft Thursday and Friday, bringing an inch or two of new snow near and above treeline for Mt. Hood. 

On Saturday, NWAC observer C.J. Svela was on the south side of Mt. Hood traveling in the near and above tree-line zones out of Timberline. He found an overall low avalanche hazard, a firm surface on the upper mountain, and the solar effects limited by moderate NE winds. Check out his photos on our Instagram link.  

Mt. Hood Meadows reported early Sunday morning that although E-NE winds were strong, there was minimal snow available for transport even on the upper mountain. 

The mid and lower snowpack at Mt Hood snow consist of layers of stable consolidated rounded grains or melt forms and crusts from multiple warm periods this winter.

Avalanche Problems

Loose Wet

Release of wet unconsolidated snow or slush. These avalanches typically occur within layers of wet snow near the surface of the snowpack, but they may quickly gouge into lower snowpack layers. Like Loose Dry avalanches, they start at a point and entrain snow as they move downhill, forming a fan-shaped avalanche. They generally move slowly, but can contain enough mass to cause significant damage to trees, cars or buildings. Other names for loose-wet avalanches include point-release avalanches or sluffs. Loose Wet avalanches can trigger slab avalanches that break into deeper snow layers.

 

Travel when the snow surface is colder and stronger. Plan your trips to avoid crossing on or under very steep slopes in the afternoon. Move to colder, shadier slopes once the snow surface turns slushly. Avoid steep, sunlit slopes above terrain traps, cliffs areas and long sustained steep pitches.

 

Several loose wet avalanches, and lots of pinwheels and roller balls.

Loose wet avalanches occur where water is running through the snowpack, and release at or below the trigger point. Avoid terrain traps such as cliffs, gullies, or tree wells. Exit avalanche terrain when you see pinwheels, roller balls, a slushy surface, or during rain-on-snow events.

Aspects: South East, South, South West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely

Expected Size: 1 - 1