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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Highlights

It's possible to trigger a large avalanche in wind-drifted snow at upper elevations, and old icy surfaces still pose lingering travel hazards. Use visual clues to identify and avoid steep open slopes with evidence of fresh wind loading.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Storm totals above 5000ft are around 4-8in, and observations from Monday indicate the new snow is well bonded to the old snow surface. Strong to extreme westerly winds accompanied the new snow, and will continue to blow Tuesday as this storm squeezes out a couple more inches of cold, dry snow.

    Avalanches in wind drifted snow will become larger and easier to trigger as you gain elevation. These avalanches will be most likely to fail within new and wind drifted snow and will be easiest to trigger on east through north aspects above 6000ft in terrain steeper than 35 degrees. Steer around large open alpine slopes below cornices, cliff bands, and ridgelines with evidence of fresh wind loading. Look and feel for changes in snow surface texture and hardness. You'll find windward slopes scoured to the old icy surface, and leeward slopes drifted in with firm, chalky snow. Use these visual clues along with blowing snow as the easiest tools to identify slopes with fresh wind slabs. If you experience cracking or see recent avalanches, choose lower angled terrain sheltered from the wind.

    (1/31/2022) Westerly winds blowing snow at ridgetop, scouring down to the hard, icy old snow surface and loading a NE aspect. Photo: Andrew Kiefer

Avalanche Discussion

No new avalanches or significant signs of unstable snow were reported Monday, but observations above treeline were limited. The slick icy old snow surface is exposed or shallowly buried in many areas, especially in windward terrain (S and W aspects), and below treeline where less snow accumulated. This storm provided a much-needed refresh though, and riding quality improved with plenty of soft turns to be found. 

The storm started out warm, helping form what so far appears to be a strong bond to the old snow surface (buried January 30). Within new and windblown snow there is an inter-storm layer down a couple of inches that snowpack tests identified, but appears stubborn to triggers. Regardless, carefully evaluate new and windblown snow before committing to steeper terrain. You may find slabs of wind drifted snow generally 1ft thick or less, but triggering a deeper large wind slab is not out of the question on Tuesday in isolated areas above treeline.

Despite the new snow, slick, icy, and hazardous travel conditions still exist where the old snow surface is exposed. Icy conditions led to numerous falls and multiple rescues on the upper mountain over the past week, and several snowmobilers lost control on the slick surfaces at Skyline and Frog Lake SnoParks with accidents and severe injuries reported. Keep your guard up - snow surfaces are variable out there and change rapidly with aspect and elevation.  

Regions covered