Mt Hood

Long uncontrolled falls on firm, icy slopes are still the primary travel concern in most terrain.  Come prepared for cooler conditions at upper elevations on Tuesday along with moderate to strong NW winds. 

We'll flip the weather script on Tuesday with cooler temperatures up high, milder temps at lower elevations and sprinkle in some moderate to strong NW winds that increase with elevation.  This won't nudge the avalanche forecast off of Low but come prepared for firm and variable travel conditions.

During this persistent pattern:

• Long uncontrolled sliding falls on steep icy slopes are the biggest travel hazard until conditions change.  Firm and often icy crusts are widespread after weeks of mostly dry weather with extended periods of high freezing levels/mild temperatures, strong winds, and sunny days/clear nights. Make sure you have "sharps" and can use them to help arrest a fall.  Allow extra time to navigate the terrain; sunny aspects can soften mid-day and then refreeze quickly in the afternoon.  
  • N-E aspects above 6500 ft are a mixed bag of wind-packed snow, scoured ice, sastrugi, and softer, faceting snow in the most sheltered/shaded pockets.
• Recent warm temperatures shed snow off rocks and trees, creating ice chunks on the terrain below, affectionally known as "death cookies." Keep it slow if you encounter this unwelcome snow texture.
• Any day with warming temperatures and sunshine that break down surface crusts, think about small wet avalanches in specific terrain.  Keep an eye on the overhead hazard where blocks of snow may shed off of rocky terrain features during sunny and mild periods. Use care around terrain traps like near gullies and below cliff bands if you see or can trigger small wet loose avalanches. 
• Continue to test the bond of recent wind-drifted snow to the underlying crust or old snow.  Shallow wind slabs may linger on the upper mountain in isolated areas.  A recent observation from the Palmer Snowfield found very minimal snow transport on Sunday.

Let us know what you see and submit an observation here.