Avalanche forecast

Mt Hood

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
4 · High
Below
3 · Considerable
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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Very dangerous avalanche conditions develop Sunday as temperatures rise and heavy snow or rain weighs down weak layers in the snowpack. Large natural and human-triggered avalanches will be likely. Avoid all avalanche terrain including lower angle slopes where avalanches may reach from above.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Very Likely
    Size
    2

    Heavy precipitation, strong winds, and rising temperatures falling on a cold, layered snowpack are the perfect recipe for natural and human-triggered avalanches. Naturally occurring wind slabs and cornice failures will be likely wherever wind-blown snow is accumulating. Some of these avalanches will be large enough to travel long distances into lower angled terrain. Avoid slopes over 30 degrees and any terrain where avalanches may reach from above.

    (4/10/2019) This very large wind slab avalanche in April 2019 gauged deeply and ran into significantly lower elevation terrain. Note the stunted trees and open terrain in the photo and avoid similar terrain on Sunday.

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Very Likely
    Size
    2

    Heavy snow and rising temps will fall onto a cold, dry, and layered snowpack. Natural and human-triggered avalanches are likely. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended. The rain/snow line will determine whether new snow avalanches or wet avalanches are more likely to occur at a given elevation. Travel is not recommended in avalanche terrain. If you do travel in the mountains keep to slopes below 30 degrees, use extra caution above cliffs and creeks and stay away from slopes where avalanches can reach from above.

     

    (2/13/2021) This widely propagating storm slab occurred Saturday at Bennett Pass.

Avalanche Discussion

Mt. Hood has picked up around 80" of snow since Thursday the 11th when the storm cycle began! The snowpack has increased by about 50" as it settles. A widespread avalanche cycle occurred Saturday and again on Monday/Tuesday. Sunday and Monday will bring us yet another widespread avalanche cycle as multiple layers in the recent snow are tested by heavy rain and snow.

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.

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