Avalanche forecast

Mt Hood

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
3 · Considerable
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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Extreme winds have built fresh and sensitive wind slabs with the recent heavy snowfall. You will be able to trigger a large avalanche on lee slopes steeper than 35 degrees. Choose lower-angle terrain where you find wind stiffened or textured snow and limit your time in valleys where a very large avalanche could reach from above.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    2–3

    Extreme winds and significant new snow continue to build wind slabs and push them to the tipping point. Look for actively blowing snow, cornices, stiff and textured snow surfaces. Where you see these things, choose slopes below 35 degrees that are not connected to larger open slopes at upper elevations. Winds will be strong enough to create wind slabs in unusual locations and possibly below treeline as well. Shooting cracks in the snow are a sure sign that you could trigger a wind slab.

    (11/21/2020) Blowing and textured snow are a sign that you could trigger a windslab in this example photo.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1

    Sun breaks are likely Saturday. Where the sun shines, loose wet avalanches will be likely. Look for rollerballs on the snow surface, water dripping from trees, and trees shedding snow as the first sign that the snow surface is becoming weak. If you see these signs, choose terrain less than 35 degrees in angle and move towards shadier slopes and use extra caution above terrain traps like cliffs and creeks. Some areas of the mountain may not get sunshine. If you aren't experiencing sunshine and don't see noticeable wind effects, consider storm slabs to be your main concern. (See the discussion below for travel advice specific to storm slabs).

    (12/18/2020) An example of a loose wet avalanche.

Avalanche Discussion

New snow will accumulate rapidly Friday night. Fresh snowfall has been stacking up above a freezing rain crust from Monday which may be an excellent sliding surface. Watch for signs that you could trigger an avalanche such as shooting cracks in the snow, small natural avalanches, and noticeable density changes in the recent snow. Stick to terrain below 35 degrees and avoid convex rolls and slopes above cliffs and creeks where even a small avalanche could have big consequences.

A freezing rain crust formed Monday up to roughly 6500-7000' from observations on both the north and south side of the mountain.  Up to 10" of snow accumulated above the 2/22 crust Monday night through Tuesday in wind-sheltered areas. As more heavy snowfall and extreme winds arrive slabs will run easily over Monday's rain crust.

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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