Mt Hood

Enjoy one last day of generally safe avalanche conditions. Wet snow avalanches are unlikely, but unlikely doesn't mean impossible; so still use caution on steep, solar slopes during the heat of the day. Shallow, early-season obstacles are prominent and can increase the consequence of a sliding fall or small avalanche. 

Friday is shaping up to be a transition day for Mt. Hood. Enjoy the one last day of sunshine ahead of the next front that arrives on Friday evening. Saturday will bring a significant change in weather and a notable spike in avalanche danger. 

The extended stretch of high pressure left its mark across the Mt Hood zone. Snowpack depths have settled a bit, but we’re still sitting well over 100% as of December first. You can check out the snow depth climatology data here. While freezing levels have been quite high, backcountry travelers and avalanche professionals continue to report cold, weakening surfaces along N-E aspects, particularly at the middle elevations. Once you move over to S-W aspects, you’ll start seeing the effects of recent warming in the form of a surface crust or wet snow during the afternoon hours. Above 7000 ft, expect to find a mixed bag variety of scoured surfaces and firm pockets of chalky, wind-drifted snow. 

While surfaces are weak on many shaded slopes, the big question will be if these grains survive the incoming warm start to the storm. With snow levels soaring up 8000’ at the start of the storm we suspect this should help flush these weak grains into the rivers, but it will be worth tracking regardless. 

If you plan to ski, ride, or climb Mt. Hood on Friday, keep the following in mind:

1). Wet Loose Avalanches: We have seen little evidence of wet loose avalanches in recent days, but who knows, a few extra clouds on Friday could do the trick. Whatever actually happens, I'd still use caution if you travel across steep, solar slopes (SW-S-SE), particularly near cliff bands during the heat of the day. Watch for rollerballs and deep boot penetrations as warning signs. 

2). Wind Slabs: While most of these slabs are well-aged and glued into place, still use caution in upper elevation terrain that promotes drifting. An uptick in wind speeds could drift available snow into shallow slabs. Pay attention to snow texture and depth, and consider giving wind-loaded pockets a quick test before committing to steeper features. Shooting cracks are obvious signs of instability that you should not ignore. 

3). Early Season hazards: These are still abundant and will easily worsen the consequence of a small avalanche or long fall. Down low, there plenty of rocks, creeks, and downed trees to navigate. Up high, crevasses and bergschrunds are thinly bridged or still fully open. Give yourself extra time to navigate these hazards. 

4). Firm Snow: It may feel warm up high, but overnight refreezes have been productive and recent high winds scoured many alpine features. Consider your ability to self-arrest and the tools you have to do so before traveling across exposed terrain. Dont let a long, sliding fall be the end of your season. 

Remember that small avalanches or long, sliding fall can produce big consequences in the wrong terrain. Before committing to skiing or riding that steep terrain think about where an avalanche or fall could carry you. Could you get pushed over cliffs, through trees, or into creeks or gullies? In "high stakes" terrain, consider the risk versus the reward.