Avalanche forecast

Mt Hood

Northwest Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Pay attention to how fresh snow has been transported by the wind at all elevations. Steer around slopes and terrain features steeper than 35 degrees where you see evidence of wind accumulated snow.  Above treeline, large firm wind slabs will hide mid-slope and in uncommon locations.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Cold new snow and strong to extreme winds formed new wind slabs Tuesday night and that trend will continue Thursday. Wednesday morning, Mt Hood Meadows Pro Patrol reported large wind slabs hiding mid-slope in higher elevation terrain due to the extreme winds Tuesday night--fresh snow made it difficult to identify these wind slabs. At lower elevations, wind drifted snow accumulated in a more typical pattern, but the soft nature of the wind slabs makes them more challenging to pick out. Colder than average temperatures mean that these slabs may not heal as quickly as we are accustom to. Choose slopes lower than 35 degrees in angle where you find evidence of wind-drifted snow and steer around steep midslope features such as convexities and minor ridges.

    (2/3/2021) Below treeline: Steep, small, wind loaded test slopes showed there is some slab character to the recent snow despite it generally feeling more like a loose snow day

Avalanche Discussion

Light snow over the last several days has been easily transported by upper elevation winds. The stout mid-January crust is considered the new "ground" moving forward with a strong snowpack structure in place below this layer. Weak and faceted snow just above the stout rain crust was responsible for a number of avalanches Thursday-Saturday, but no new evidence of avalanches on this interface suggests these facets are gaining strength. The interface between recent snow and the solid crust is still worth investigating before committing to steep and open slopes. 

During the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, continue to follow the latest guidance from local, state, and federal health officials. Avoid unnecessary risks that could impact first responders and stress medical resources.  Wear a mask when appropriate, practice social distancing, and consider recreating closer to home.

Regions covered