Avalanche forecast

Mt Hood

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 8 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Triggering avalanches that range from 1-3 ft thick remains possible in steep, wind loaded terrain. Be suspicious of terrain that promotes drifting, such as the leeward sides of ridges and canyons, the top of chutes, or at the base of cliffs. You can reduce your exposure by choosing lower-angle slopes out of the wind or by sticking to scoured terrain. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    While precipitation may taper, west winds will stay in transport speeds through the day. Look for new snow to be easily transported into slabs ranging from 1-3 ft thick. Wind slabs may range from soft to hard depending on elevation and wind exposure. If slabs feel soft in more sheltered terrain, using small test slopes can provide reliable feedback when assessing reactivity. However, if they feel stiff and hollow, don’t trust them and give them extra space.

    Recent strong winds have likely created a patchwork of soft and hard wind slabs with variable distribution. Be suspicious of any terrain that promotes drifting, such as the leeward sides of ridges, below cornices and rock bands, and mid-slope convexities. There should be plenty of evidence of wind-drifted snow, so use those textured surfaces, fresh cornices, and blowing snow to help you avoid this problem. Cracks shooting out from your boards or feet are obvious clues of instability that should not be ignored. 

    (1/4/2026) 

    Observers found sensitive pockets of wind drifted snow at middle elevations on Sunday. 

    Photo: Kyle Wyatt

Avalanche Discussion

Monday is shaping up to be a pleasant day in the mountains before more active weather arrives on Tuesday. You’ll likely notice some sun poking through the clouds, especially higher on the mountain or further east in the zone. With that in mind, keep an eye out for wet-snow instabilities that could form on steep, solar aspects if the sun makes an appearence. These likely won’t be big or very widespread across the zone, but they may be fairly predictable and shed off steep, rocky slopes in the sun. Consider moving to shadier slopes in more consequential terrain if you notice rollerballs peeling off steep, sunny aspects. 

Sunday brought a welcome refresh of 6-8 inches of new snow. New snow accumulations largely fell over a crust or wet snow surfaces at lower elevations. Observations below 6500 ft, found a good bond to these surfaces, but that could vary from slope to slope as you ascend. One group traveling in Green Apple Creek found increased wind slab sensitivity as  the day warmed. 

Our snowpack endured another setback from the recent warm temperatures and rain. Be on the lookout for early-season conditions and challenging travel at lower elevations if you head out. Many avalanche paths are broken up with rocks, creeks, and early-season terrain depressions. In choosing terrain to ride, consider the consequence of a slide- if one happens, where will it take you? Look for slopes with a clean run-out free bone-breaking trees, creeks, and rocks. 

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