Avalanche forecast

Mt Hood

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago.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

Highlights

Avalanche conditions will be relatively benign on Sunday. Watch for isolated pockets where wind accumulated snow has formed slabs near ridge crests and at upper elevations. Otherwise challenging travel conditions due to firm surfaces will be the biggest hazard.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1

    Light snow and gusty winds overnight will build shallow wind slabs near ridge crests in exposed terrain. Navigate around steep start zones and features where windblown snow has accumulated. Fresh small cornices and active blowing snow are likely clues as to where pockets of wind slabs might be. Use small test slopes to examine the bond of fresh snow to the old firm surface before committing to open slopes.

    (1/9/2021) Blowing snow and fresh cornices like this can indicate wind slabs may exist on the slope below.

Avalanche Discussion

Travel conditions are likely your biggest hazard Sunday. Expect firm slopes in most locations as sun melted surfaces refreeze Saturday night. Even when the sun does make an appearance, firm slopes may be slow to thaw with brisk winds that are forecast for Sunday.

At lower elevations and later in the day, watch for weakening snow surfaces on slopes receiving direct sunshine or where temperatures rise above freezing. Roller balls are often the first indication that you could trigger a wet loose avalanche. Choose lower angle, or shaded slopes if you see evidence of weak snow surfaces. At higher elevations, you may find firm and icy slopes where a slip could turn into a consequential tumble. Be prepared to self-arrest or choose less exposed travel options.

-Previous Discussion-

A relatively well-consolidated snowpack prior seemed to handle 4-5" of water that fell Monday into Wednesday surprisingly well. Mt. Hood Meadows conducted control into above treeline terrain Thursday morning, but couldn't produce any avalanches, even with explosives. However, multiple large avalanche crowns were observed from Mt. Hood Meadows on 1/13  at 7000 ft and above. Public observations illustrate a very large avalanche in White River and Newton Canyon.  They also observed glide cracks at these upper elevations proof that free water is running at the base of the snowpack.

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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