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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 31st, 2015–Feb 1st, 2015
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Mt Hood.

Shallow storm slabs are possible, mainly on lee terrain near and above treeline later Sunday afternoon. 

Detailed Forecast

An incoming frontal system will bring light rain and snow to the Mt. Hood area by Sunday afternoon. Snow levels should fluctuate around 5500 feet. New snow may bond poorly to surface crusts, allowing shallow storm slabs to develop especially on lee aspects near and above treeline. 

Below treeline, light rain should have little impact on the avalanche danger. 

A stronger system forecast for Monday will likely lead to increasing avalanche danger. 

Snowpack Discussion

After last weekend's rain (Jan 24-25th), predominately mild or sunny weather settled in during the work week.  No new avalanches have been reported over the last week. 

The Meadows pro-patrol continues to report a strong surface crust and melt form layers in the upper snow pack this week.

Overall the snow pack at Mt Hood should predominately consist of stable consolidated rounded grains or melt form layers and crusts from warm periods so far this winter.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

Release of a soft cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within the storm snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slab problems typically last between a few hours and few days. Storm-slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.

 

You can reduce your risk from Storm Slabs by waiting a day or two after a storm before venturing into steep terrain. Storm slabs are most dangerous on slopes with terrain traps, such as timber, gullies, over cliffs, or terrain features that make it difficult for a rider to escape off the side.

 

Storm slabs usually stabilize within a few days, and release at or below the trigger point. They exist throughout the terrain, and can be avoided by waiting for the storm snow to stabilize.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 1