Mt Hood

Avalanche problems

• 

  Wind Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alpine
  • Treeline
  • Below treeline

  Likelihood

  Likely

  Size

  2–3

  Relentless winds will finally take a day off on Wednesday after roughly 3 straight days of strong to extreme westerly winds near and above treeline.  Wind-affected snow should be easy to find in every elevation band on Wednesday. Wind slabs likely formed further below ridgelines and even on open slopes below treeline. Conversely, exposed ridgelines and steep windward faces may be stripped to an icy crust or exposed rocks.  Avoid all wind-loaded slopes steeper than 35 degrees Wednesday where you are likely to trigger a wind slab avalanche. 

  Exiting this storm cycle, we don't have any fresh observations from above treeline, leaving us with uncertainty surrounding the potential for very large avalanche releasing from higher elevation start zones.  Plan your route to avoid exposure to large avalanche paths that start high on the mountain. 

  

• 

  Loose Wet

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alpine
  • Treeline
  • Below treeline

  Likelihood

  Possible

  Size

  1–2

  Any steep sunny slope that was sheltered by the wind and has loose snow may produce wet loose avalanches on Wednesday.  If you start to see signs of increasing wet snow instability, like roller balls or pinwheeling, or snow shedding below sunny rock faces,  move to shady aspects or lower angle terrain.  Wet loose avalanches may run faster or further than you expect above a  crust below the new snow. With increasing high clouds expected in the afternoon, the wet loose avalanches will be most likely late morning through mid-day.