Mt Hood

Avalanche problems

• 

  Wet Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alpine
  • Treeline
  • Below treeline

  Likelihood

  Likely

  Size

  2–3

  Over the past three days, observers have reported numerous large to very large wet slabs in the D2-D3.5 range, including a new one on Wednesday (see photo). Some of these slab avalanches broke widely across terrain features and ran far, reaching into lower elevations.  While cooler temperatures will arrive at upper elevations late Wednesday night,  this cooling trend is slow and lower and mid-elevations will likely stay above freezing for another 24 hours, maintaining the threat of wet snow avalanches.  

  Wet slabs are unpredictable so don't expect clear warning signs before they release.  If you're in terrain where the snowpack is wet and punchy,  wet loose avalanches remain possible on steep slopes. Until we see a thorough refreeze, keep your terrain selection simple by avoiding steep slopes with wet snow and limiting the time you spend under large terrain features. This includes the upper canyon run-outs that very large avalanches snake through every season. 

  Cornices are a real hazard right now and they could be great triggers for larger avalanches. Give these overhanging chunks of snow a wide buffer. Glide cracks tend to be more isolated around Mt Hood, but these can peel off rock slabs without warning. Don't linger under terrain with these cracks.