Avalanche forecast

Mt Hood

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired last year. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Incremental new snow accompanied by strong wind from a variety of directions has created variable pockets of wind deposited snow. As you gain elevation, be looking for increasing signs of wind transport such as blowing snow, cornices, and uneven surfaces that indicate the potential for an unstable slope nearby. Don't totally shut your brain off lower down though, as travel conditions are inconsistent and warrant some terrain management.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Consider the potential to trigger both old and new wind slabs on Tuesday. Softer and fresher slabs will be smaller but easier to trigger. These will be slabs that formed on Monday or are newly forming on Tuesday. Stiffer and older slabs will be larger (more consequential) but harder to trigger. These are slabs that formed during the strong east wind event on Sunday, so be on the lookout for them on atypical aspects (like west facing slopes). The higher in elevation you travel, the higher the sensitivity of slabs will be, as well as the spatial distribution of where they are.

    Focus your attention on blowing snow and terrain features that promote drifting to help you identify slopes of concern. Wind slabs tend to form just below ridgelines and in gully or chute shaped terrain. Wind-affected snow will often look textured and feel stiffer under your skis or feet. You can probe around with your ski pole to feel for these stiffer pockets. Using quick handpits or small test slopes are also great tools for you to gauge reactivity. Pump the brakes and steer around steep wind-loaded slopes if you notice active loading, shooting cracks, or drum-like surfaces. 

    (3/31/2025)

    An intentional cornice drop triggered a small, thin wind slab on Monday in the Mt. Hood zone. 

    Photo: Ben Lim

Avalanche Discussion

With a snowpack transitioning to more spring-like comes some complexities to navigate. As you crest above 6000-7500 ft, you'll start noticing improved riding conditions, but more soft snow available for transport and, therefore, more heightened avalanche conditions. Additionally, any periods of sun or daytime warming this time of year could produce small wet loose avalanches. Mid and lower elevation areas have experienced more pronounced temperature fluctuations over the past days, making conditions more challenging the lower you are. There are firm and scoured surfaces that demand proper "sharps" gear in steep terrain. Then there are some areas where you can still sink in well past your boot top in wet, mushy snow.  An NWAC Forecaster traveled to Pea Gravel Ridge on Monday and found variable conditions such as these. Click here to read the observation. Be similarly prepared for a little bit of everything if you get out into the backcountry on Tuesday and stick to lower angle slopes where you find instability of any kind.

If you do get out, let us know what you see by submitting a public observation here.

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