Avalanche forecast

Mt Hood

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

You can trigger avalanches in wind-drifted snow at upper elevations. Watch for changing conditions with aspect and elevation and steer around slopes 35 degrees and steeper with evidence of fresh wind-loading. Reduce your risk by seeking out wind-sheltered or lower-angled terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    On Tuesday, expect strong westerly winds to create fresh drifts and thicken existing slabs. Avalanches will become larger and more sensitive to triggers as you climb up in elevation. Pay attention as you transition into wind-affected terrain and use caution around ridgelines, rollovers, and steep rocky features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully and look and feel for signs of wind-loading like cornices and changes in snow surface texture and hardness.  In wind-sheltered areas, you may find unconsolidated snow with loose dry sluffs possible in steep, unsupported terrain.

    (12/12/2021) Minor cracking in wind drifted snow in the Vista Ridge area near Mt Hood Meadows (SE aspect, 6200ft) Photo: Andrew Kiefer

Avalanche Discussion

Since 12/8, over 4ft of new snow fell above 5000ft on Mt Hood. Recent storms kick-started avalanche season and created a layered snowpack in all elevations bands. Active weather looks to continue with cool temperatures and light to moderate snow showers each day through Thursday. A handful of natural and triggered avalanches were reported the past 2 days. Avalanches were small (D1.5) and shallow (<10in) but a few ran far and fast downslope. All the recent storm snow has settled into a 3ft deep, right-side-up snowpack. At higher elevations, you will find most of the snow has been stripped from the windward aspects and loaded onto leeward slopes

On Saturday morning, December 11th, an avalanche fatality occurred in Washington in the Silver Basin area of Crystal Mountain Ski Resort. Our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and community. See the accident report for details. 

Uphill travel reminder: Continue to check in with your local ski area regarding terrain access and parking updates. Closed ski areas often share a similar snowpack and avalanche hazard as the surrounding backcountry. You may also encounter other hazards like active avalanche mitigation, unmarked obstacles, snowmobiles, groomers, and other heavy equipment as ski areas prepare to open. Be prepared to make your own assessments and handle emergency situations.

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